Whyte Promises To Prove His Innocence, Joshua’s New Opponent

Dillian Whyte has responded following his failed VADA test after an adverse finding was found. 

Whyte was set to face Anthony Joshua on August 12th, 2023, in a rematch of their 2015 bout where AJ won by way of a seventh-round knockout. 

As a result, the fight was called off and it put the sport once again in the public eye for all the wrong reasons.

After all, the boxing community has just witnessed Conor Benn’s two-failed VADA tests for Clomiphene. While attempts are being made to get Joshua another opponent, Whyte was adamant that he was innocent. 

Whyte’s Comments

“I am shocked and devastated to learn of a report by VADA of adverse findings relating to me. I only learned of it this morning and am still reacting to it. I have also just seen that the fight is being cancelled without having any chance to demonstrate my innocence before the decision was taken.

“I can confirm without a shadow of doubt that I have not taken the reported substance, in this camp or at any point in my life. I am completely innocent and ask to be given the time to go through the process of proving this without anybody jumping to conclusions or a trial by media,” Whyte

This is not the first time that Whyte has been involved in such a thing. His win over Oscar Rivas was accompanied by an issue with a failed test.

It turned out that Whyte had tested positive for the substance Dianabol. The substance is known for increasing muscle mass and strength, clearing giving anyone who would take such a thing, a huge advantage. 

An investigation followed for a month, which did clear the boxer. Although that may have been the case, Whyte did serve a ban prior to this. In 2012, Whyte was given a two-year ban after he failed a test following his victory over Sandor Balogh.

And given that Whyte is entering into the latter stages of his career, can the ‘Body Snatcher’ recover from this? After all, the British public may not be so forgiving. However, Whyte is still confident about his innocence. 

Whyte On Testing

“I insisted on 24/7 VADA testing for this fight, as I have done voluntarily and at my own expense for all of my fights for many, many years.

“This is not the first time that I have been reported as having an adverse finding for a substance which I have not taken, and as I did last time I will again prove that I am completely innocent.

“In the meantime, all I can do is express my extreme disappointment to boxing fans, who will miss out on what was sure to be a great event,” Whyte

It will be a tough thing for Whyte to prove, so time will tell how it all plays out moving forward. 

Joshua’s Opponent

Meanwhile, Joshua will require a new opponent as Andy Ruiz Jr. has offered to step in. 

The last time Ruiz did such a thing was when he faced Joshua after Jarrell Miller failed numerous tests.

Ruiz was the replacement on short notice for Joshua’s American debut. Things ultimately would backfire for Joshua, as he suffered his first loss against the Mexican when he was stopped.

Although Joshua did regain his belts in the rematch, the Brit’s explosive-combination style was never the same. And yet, Ruiz would be open for a trilogy. 

“Eddie Hearn, Joshua, I think I found a new replacement again. Let’s run it back, let’s get the trilogy,” Ruiz

This naturally begs the question: who could face AJ? Well, there is a chance that Derek Chisora could be propelled to the main event. The former is known for having fought all the big names, even if he has come up short at world level. 

In addition to this, other names in the running could be Filip Hrgovic and Demsey McKean. And getting an opponent will be vital for AJ, who is seeking to build up his skills with Derrick James.

Meanwhile, as a super fight with Deontay Wilder could happen, Joshua will be keen on remaining active as much as possible. 

And yet, it is important to bear in mind the following. Joshua’s training camp was ultimately to face Whyte. And getting an opponent last minute could be a huge risk. 

And at a time where Joshua cannot afford to lose, it is vital that he makes the correct moves moving forward. However, based on Matchroom’s response, there is no hurry to do such a thing. 

“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,” Matchroom