Dillian Whyte has issued a statement denying taking any banned substances and questioning why his clash with Anthony Joshua was canceled.
“The Body Snatcher” learned on Saturday that his fight with Joshua was off seven days before a sell-out show at the O2 Arena in London.
Previously, Whyte had been able to compete despite adverse findings in a sample. In 2019, he eventually persuaded the British Board and UKAD to give him the benefit of the doubt.
That situation arose in 2019 with promoter Eddie Hearn backing Whyte all the way. A previous two-year suspension from 2012 to 2014 was also attributed to another means.
However, this time, Matchroom Boxing and Hearn acted fast. They informed the boxing world that Joshua vs Whyte 2 would not occur next week.
The DAZN PPV is now under a cloud. Matchroom plans to reveal more information on what could happen soon.
Whyte’s career is now in tatters once again as the former WBC heavyweight title challenger raised questions on the test and the decision to scrap the bout.
Dillian Whyte denies taking a banned substance before Anthony Joshua rematch
“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,” said Whyte.
“But I have also just seen that the fight is being canceled. This is without any chance to demonstrate my innocence before the decision.
“I can confirm without a shadow of a doubt that I have not taken the reported substance in this camp or at any point in my life. I’m completely innocent. I ask to be given the time to go through the process of proving this without anybody jumping to conclusions or a trial by the media.”
On the testing procedures for the UK headliner, Whyte added: “I insisted on 24/7 VADA testing for this fight. I have done this voluntarily and at my own expense for all my fights for many years.
“This is not the first time I have been reported as having an adverse finding for a substance I have not taken. I will again prove I am completely innocent as I did last time.
“In the meantime, I can only express my extreme disappointment to boxing fans. They will miss out on what was sure to be a great event.”
Whether Joshua will face a late replacement or the rest of the card will go on without him remains to be confirmed. The situation remains raw.
