The match between Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte has been called after the latter returned “adverse analytical findings” in an anti-doping test.
Upon the findings, a statement from Matchroom Boxing on Saturday read: “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 was supposed to take place on August 12 at London’s O2 Arena. The former world champion Joshua has a long history with Whyte as he was defeated by him in the amateur ranks.
However, as professionals, they both took on one another in a wild 2015 British heavyweight title which Joshua won in the seventh round.
This was not the first time Whyte failed a drug test. His first came back in 2012 after his victory against Sandor Balogh — for which he served a two-year punishment for taking an illegal substance — and the second was after a match with Oscar Rivas in 2019.
However, none of the boxers have reacted to this news now.
Earlier, Joshua revealed that he is so much into the fight that he even has a picture of Whyte on his phone’s lock screen.
"When you're fighting someone that's on your mind every day [shows a picture of Whyte on his phone lock screen to the camera] it does a lot for my preparation, I'm pushing myself," Joshua said.
"Fighting once a year you become soft, you're not as tough as you once were, so I'm getting that battle skin.
“If I win in spectacular fashion it will be a massive confidence booster."