Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte’s highly anticipated second fight has been cancelled after Whyte returned “adverse analytical findings” during a random anti-doping test, according to promoter Eddie Hearn and Matchroom.
Whyte has categorically denied that he took the reported substance and has asked for time to prove his innocence.
The Voluntary Anti-Doping Association said it had informed the Association of Boxing Commissions and the British Boxing Board of Control that a “random anti-doping protocol” undertaken by Whyte had returned the result, leading to the bout being called off and an investigation being launched.
Matchroom said in a statement on Saturday: “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.”
The fight had been due to take place at London’s O2 Arena on Saturday 12 August. Joshua could still fight on the night if a new opponent is found in time.
Whyte posted on Instagram, saying: “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 a 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 conclusion or a trial by media.”
The British heavyweight rivals have fought each other twice in the past, with Joshua knocking out Whyte in 2015 after the latter beat “AJ” during the pair’s amateur careers.
Whyte continued in the post: “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.”
Joshua, 33, and Whyte, 35, were both set to enter the fight on the back of decision wins over Jermaine Franklin. AJ outpointed the American in April after Whyte did the same in November.
Those results marked much-needed wins for both Britons; by beating Franklin, Joshua bounced back from two straight losses to Oleksandr Usyk, while Whyte was defeated by Tyson Fury in his previous fight.
