Joshua Vs. Whyte Canceled After The Latter Fails A Drug Test
Anthony Joshua has suffered a huge blow after his fight with Dillian Whyte was called off.
The ‘Body Snatcher’ failed a drug test, which is the last thing that either fighter needed.
Their mega clash was set to occur on August 12th, 2023. Both fighters had everything to play for, as they attempted to get back to the forefront of the heavyweight division.
Joshua was looking to follow up his win over Jermaine Franklin by continuing his work with his new trainer, Derrick James.
Therefore, Whyte would have posed a good test in light of suggestions that Joshua could face Deontay Wilder in Saudi Arabia.
Meanwhile, Whyte was attempting to get closer to having another world title shot. His attempt to win the WBC heavyweight belt failed massively, as he was stopped by Tyson Fury in a below-par performance.
However, a win over Joshua would have made Whyte a man in demand again. But given that VADA has now found an ‘adverse finding,’ the fight has been canceled.
As such, this is what Matchroom Boxing had to say.
Matchroom’s Response
“Today, the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) informed Matchroom, the Association of Boxing Commissions and the British Boxing Board of Control that Dillian Whyte had returned adverse analytical findings as part of a random anti-doping protocol.
“In light of this news, the fight will be cancelled, and a full investigation will be conducted. Further information on the event will follow,” Whyte
Moving forward, Joshua has to decide his next steps. He could still face an opponent on August 12th by finding a last-minute replacement.
Although that may be the case, the last time that AJ did such a thing was when he faced Andy Ruiz Jr. the first time around.
Following Jarrell Miller’s failed drug tests, Ruiz was brought in for Joshua’s US debut at Madison Square Garden.
However, this all backfired as Ruiz stopped Joshua to cause a huge shock in the heavyweight division.
Therefore, Joshua has to decide carefully where he goes next from here. You can stay up-to-date with the latest happenings in the world of boxing by visiting boxingblitz right here.
