By Victor Kanayo
The heavyweight fight scheduled between Anthony Joshua and Dalian Whyte has been cancelled.
The sudden decision was after Whyte returned adverse analytical findings during anti-doping protocol.
WADA Confirmation
This was disclosed by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) via a statement on Saturday.
According to the statement, “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 event was put off one week before it was slated to take place, but AJ’s bout could still take place at London’s O2 Arena if a new opponent can be found.
The fight between Joshua and Whyte, a rematch of their 2015 bout, was announced a month ago.
Joshua/Whyte Records
Joshua, 33, knocked out 35-year-old Whyte in the seventh round of their heated British title fight eight years ago, which also took place at the O2, as he avenged a loss to his rival on the amateur circuit.
Olympic gold medallist Joshua went on to become a two-time world champion.
Whyte, who lost his only world title challenge to Tyson Fury in 2022, beat Joshua by decision as an amateur in 2009 to start what became a bitter rivalry.
Joshua gained revenge when the pair met again as professionals in December 2015, being rocked in the second round but recovering to force a stoppage in the seventh.
