Public opinion is not on the side of Dillian Whyte currently following news of his failed VADA test that saw his rematch with Anthony Joshua, which was due to take place at the O2 Arena on August 12, cancelled.
It is the third issue Whyte has had with anti doping tests, following discrepancies in both 2012 – for which he was banned – and before his 2019 clash with Oscar Rivas.
Fellow heavyweight contender, Michael Hunter, has weighed in on the situation in a recent interview with Boxing UK, and claims it is a “really bad look” on Whyte.
“Three strikes and you’re out! We’ve crucified certain fighters for popping one time and Dillian should be no different.”
“I don’t know what the situation is, but to pop three times and then try and paint the narrative as they do is bad for boxing as a whole. I think the fans lose out with this one – especially the English fans.”
“I think it is a really bad look on Dillian. I know he’ll try and fix it – that’s one thing he does good at, fighting those VADA and UKAD battles.”
Hunter himself has also said he would be willing to jump in with Joshua and save the show at a week’s notice.
There are two other heavyweight fights on the card, meaning Flip Hrgovic, Demsey McKean, Derek Chisora and Gerald Washington all could also potentially be drafted in as last minute opponents for ‘AJ.’
However, with less than a week until fight night and fans unsure of whether to cancel their arrangements, Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn will need to move fast if the show is to go on.