August 05, (THEWILL) – The anticipated rematch between Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte has been called off due to adverse analytical findings from Whyte as part of a random anti-doping protocol.
Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn announced the cancellation on Twitter/𝕏, posting: “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.”
Anthony Joshua, who had been aiming to continue his comeback after consecutive defeats to Oleksandr Usyk, had been eyeing a potential December fight against Deontay Wilder in Saudi Arabia, alongside a doubleheader with Usyk and Tyson Fury. However, with Fury set to face Francis Ngannou on October 28, December might have come too soon for the matchup.
Joshua is now left searching for a new opponent, with unbeaten German heavyweight Agit Kabayel and Joe Joyce among the fighters previously mentioned as potential alternatives to Whyte.
Whyte’s last appearance in the ring was against Jermaine Franklin in November 2022, following a summer defeat to Tyson Fury at Wembley Stadium. The cancellation of the Joshua-Whyte rematch comes as a significant disappointment to fans eagerly awaiting the showdown between two of the top heavyweights in the division.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
