The much-anticipated rematch between heavyweight boxing champions Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte has been called off due to an ‘adverse finding’ from a random doping test conducted on Whyte.
The fight was initially scheduled to take place at London’s O2 Arena on August 12.
In response to the cancellation, Joshua’s promoters, Matchroom, are now searching for a replacement opponent to take on Joshua at the same venue and date.
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Another option being considered is promoting one of the heavyweights from the undercard to the main event.
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Unfortunately, this is not the first time Whyte has faced issues with anti-doping officials.
His future in the sport seems uncertain, especially considering he is 35 years old.
He expressed shock and devastation over the positive test results, vehemently claiming his innocence.
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The Voluntary Anti-Doping Association conducted the recent test and alerted Matchroom, the Association of Boxing Commissions, and the British Boxing Board of Control about the prohibited substance in Whyte’s system.
The identity of the substance was initially kept secret.
With the fight now cancelled, a thorough investigation into the matter will be conducted.
More details about the event and its potential replacements will be released later.
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The fight between Whyte and Anthony Joshua was set to be a rematch of their 2015 encounter, which Joshua won by knockout in the seventh round for the British title.
Prior to that, Whyte had an impressive 16-win streak, and the rivalry between the two fighters had a history dating back to their amateur days in 2009.
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The original plan was for the winner of this rematch to face Deontay Wilder, ranked third in the USA, later this year in a match envisioned for the Middle East.
Joshua, currently ranked fourth in the world by The Ring magazine, might still have a future clash with Wilder in Saudi Arabia.
