Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom has announced Anthony Joshua’s rematch with Dillian Whyte has been pulled at the last minute following news that Whyte returned ‘adverse analytical findings’ in a Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency test.
The statement dropped exactly one week out from the August 12 heavyweight fight, set for a sold-out O2 Arena in London.
Whyte – who has previously had run-ins with the UK Anti-Doping Agency and served a ban back in 2012 – is yet to comment on the news, but a full investigation will be carried out. Whatever happens, he is no longer a part of the event.
Hearn, who will remember all too well a similar drama with Conor Benn last October, shared a tweet of a previous reaction, and confirmed that the team were working on keeping the show alive.
This one made me smile..time to go to work! 😤 https://t.co/ru5ekGK3qm
— Eddie Hearn (@EddieHearn) August 5, 2023
The undercard is packed full of heavyweight action, and many fans are looking to those competitors as potential late-replacements.
Filip Hrgovic defends his IBF mandatory status against unbeaten Australian southpaw, Demsey McKean, whilst Derek Chisora returns to action against American Gerald Washington.
The bout for Joshua was an exercise in both getting more work in under new trainer, Derrick James, as well as proving to fans he still has what it takes to mix it at the top level of the division.
A win would have seen him ramp up and finalise talks to face hard-hitting former champion, Deontay Wilder, in early 2024 – something that will still be on the cards no matter what happens with this event.
More news is expected soon, but all reports point to Joshua still fighting in London next Saturday.