Following news of ‘adverse analytical findings’ in Dillian Whyte’s doping test, his last opponent, Jermaine Franklin, has said fighters taking performance enhancing drugs should be permanently banned from boxing.
Whyte and Franklin battled it out over twelve last November with the Brit coming away the winner via split decision. Franklin would call the close fight a robbery in the aftermath.
With that win, Whyte moved towards the fight he wanted – a rematch with Anthony Joshua following his loss in their 2015 British Heavyweight title clash.
One week out, though, it was revealed that he would be pulled from the main event following a failed Voluntary Anti-Doping test. He has since protested and claimed innocence.
Speaking to Boxing News, Franklin said Whyte was ‘probably using’ when they fought.
“Like he probably used them when we fought.
I heard this ain’t the first time, so I’m figuring he was probably doing it when we fought too. I didn’t feel anything that didn’t feel right [when we fought, last November].”
There have been no further details as to the test or the substance as of writing. Veteran boxing journalist, Dan Rafael, has reported that there were multiple failed tests.
On PED use in general, Franklin wants the sport to adopt a stricter stance.
“It should not be allowed – people should get [permanently] banned from the sport.
I understand if you’ve taken a drug that’s on the banned substance list then you can get a suspension, but if you’re taking PEDs [performance-enhancing drugs] and you get caught taking them more than one time your ass should be banned from boxing. You’re a hazard to people’s health.”
Following his loss to Whyte, he would get another crack at a British fighter in the form of Joshua. That was a more convincing defeat as ‘AJ’ looks to build back to the top.
A late replacement is set to be announced following Whyte’s dismissal, and Franklin sympathises with him.
“I feel sorry for [Joshua] on the aspect of we train so hard we be ready to fight – there’s a lot of built-up aggression at the end of those camps. We ready to let go, and now you can’t.
Sometimes it can make you frustrated or a little snappy at times. I just hope he’s okay, ‘cause boxing sometimes can be a real frustrating sport.
I would still want to fight [in Joshua’s position]. I didn’t just work my ass off in training for nothing. The replacement fighter hasn’t been getting ready for him either. He might have been in the gym but that doesn’t mean he’s been practising for your type of fight.”
Franklin has bounced back with a win over Isaac Munoz Gutierrez and is expected out again soon.