Rematch canceled as Dillian Whyte drug test comes out positive

Information reaching Kossyderrickent has it that Rematch canceled as Dillian Whyte drug test came out positive. 

Dan Rafael reports that Matchroom are seeking a replacement opponent, and there are choices on the undercard, even. At the moment, Matchroom have not announced whether or not the rest of the show will go on as planned.

Even if they can’t find a replacement, that sudden add of Derek Chisora — a ticket-seller — and a fight with Gerald Washington to the card just a couple of days ago seems a bit more of a thinker now. Chisora, Johnny Fisher, and Campbell Hatton being on the card could mitigate some refund demands from ticket-buyers.

Former WBC heavyweight title challenger Whyte is no stranger to anti-doping controversies.

Whyte, 35, tested positive for the banned stimulant Methylhexaneamine after his 2012 victory over Sandor Balogh.

The substance found its way into Whyte’s system through a banned and since discontinued pre-workout supplement, which landed him a two-year suspension.

His second anti-doping violation occurred ahead of his interim WBC heavyweight title fight with Oscar Rivas in 2019.

Fight week events have been removed from the DAZN schedule as of now, but that could simply be in the course of changing graphics and whatnot, too.

The 35-year-old Whyte (29-3, 19 KO) last fought in Nov. 2022, winning a majority decision over Jermaine Franklin that had at least some controversy. That came after he was stopped in six against Tyson Fury at Wembley Stadium in Apr. 2022.

Joshua (25-3, 22 KO) was going into his second fight with new trainer Derrick James, who was just in Errol Spence Jr’s corner last Saturday, and himself is coming off of a win over Jermaine Franklin this past April. His win wasn’t controversial, but didn’t receive glowing reviews for style and form.

The Matchroom chief tweeted: “BREAKING..more updates to follow shortly.”

Neither Whyte nor Joshua have reacted to the news of their rematch being scrapped.

The substance Whyte tested positive for is currently unknown. “In light of this news, the fight will be cancelled, and a full investigation will be conducted.

“Further information on the event will follow.”

Promoter Eddie Hearn quickly took to Twitter after news of Whyte’s potential doping violation became public.