Whyte Claims Innocence As Joshua Fight is Cancelled After Drug Test

The highly anticipated clash between Dillian Whyte  and Anthony Joshua  slated for August 12 has been cancelled after a failed drug test.

Dillian Whyte reportedly returned “adverse analytical findings” in a Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) test. A statement from the Matchroom Boxing on Saturday reads “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.”

However, Whyte has taken to social media to deny taking any substance and promised to prove that he was “completely innocent.” He wrote “I am shocked and devastated to learn of a report by VADA of adverse finding related to me. I only learned of it this morning and am still reacting to it.”

“I have also just seen that the fight is being cancelled without having any chance to demonstrate my innocence before the decision was taken. I can confirm without a shadow of doubt that I have not taken the reported substance, in this camp or at any point in my life. I am completely innocent and ask to be given the time to go through the process of proving this without anybody jumping to conclusions or a trial by media.”

Whyte says he “insisted on 24/7 VADA testing for the fight” as he has done for his fights for “many, many years.” “This is not the first time that I have been reported as having adverse finding for substance which I have not taken” he said as he promised to prove his innocence. He expressed his disappointment that boxing fans will “miss out on what was sure to be a great event.”

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