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Topics: Dillian Whyte, Boxing, Anthony Joshua
Josh Lawless
Dillian Whyte has responded after his scheduled fight with Anthony Joshua was cancelled due to "adverse analytical findings" in the former's drug test results.
The pair of Brits were set to fight for a second time at the O2 Arena on August 12 but on Saturday afternoon MatchRoom released an official statement confirming the bout is off following the results of "a random anti-doping protocol".
They also said "a full investigation will be conducted".
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Whyte has been involved in two previous doping scandals and an adverse finding was uncovered before his fight with Oscar Rivas in 2019.
However, he was later cleared of any wrongdoing by UKAD and the fight went ahead as planned.
And the Body Snatcher, who claims he insisted on VADA administering the bout, has vowed to prove his innocence once again just as he did four years ago.
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In a lengthy post on Twitter, Whyte wrote: "I am shocked and devastated to learn of a report by VADA of adverse findings relating 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.
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"I insisted on 24/7 VADA testing for this fight, as I have done voluntarily and at my own expense for all of my fights for many, many years.
"This is not the first time that I have been reported as having an adverse finding for a substance which I have not taken, and as I did last time I will again prove that I am completely innocent.
'In the meantime all I can do is express my extreme disappointment to boxing fans, who will miss out on what was sure to be a great event."
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In 2012, Whyte was hit with a two-year ban from boxing after testing positive for the banned stimulant methylhexaneamine, found in the supplement Jack3d, following his win over Sandor Balogh.
He returned in 2014 and won a slew of fights before suffering his first career defeat at the hands of Joshua.
Early reports suggest Joshua could still be in action, with his promoters looking to try and secure an alternative opponent at short notice.