Dillian Whyte’s boxing career is in serious jeopardy as it was reported on Wednesday night that he tested positive for a banned substance before his fight with Oscar Rivas.
US outlet Boxing Scene made the claim, which Eddie Hearn quickly responded to, and you can read all the latest below.
What has happened with Dillian Whyte’s positive drugs test?
It has been reported that the ‘Body Snatcher’ returned a UKAD test with a banned substance, and was informed of this three days before defeating Rivas.
The exact substance he tested positive for is currently unknown to media.
Who knew about it and why did the Dillian Whyte vs Oscar Rivas fight still take place?
The story states that UKAD told Whyte, his promoter Matchroom Boxing and the British Boxing Board of Control of the results on Wednesday, July 17.
However, the fighter asked for his B sample to be tested, as is his right.
UKAD do not sanction boxers for PED breaches until the full adjudication process is complete, including B sample testing, and subsequent hearings by the NADP – National Anti-Doping Panel.
This meant that the BBBofC had little option but to allow him to fight.
What was Eddie Hearn’s response?
Whyte’s promoter Eddie Hearn did not deny anything in his initial response.
He posted: “Further to reports I can confirm that both Dillian Whyte and Oscar Rivas were subject to extensive VADA and UKAD testing for their bout.
“Both fighters were cleared to fight by both bodies and the BBBofC.”
Did Oscar Rivas’ team know?
The Colombian’s promoter Yvon Michel claims they were never told of this result and found out at the same time as everyone else.
Michel said: “It is with great stupefaction we have learned yesterday, on Boxing Scene, the news about the testing result of Dillian Whyte before the WBC title [fight] against our Oscar Rivas.
“Up to this moment nobody on the concerned parties have confirmed or denied to us this information.”
He followed up by replying to people asking questions and insisted: “We have learned it yesterday evening when it was published on Boxing Scene, at the same time as everybody else.”
How have Deontay Wilder and Andy Ruiz Jr reacted?
The reigning heavyweight champions both had plenty to say on social media.
What could Dillian Whyte’s punishment be?
UKAD has declined to comment on what happens next with Whyte but, as the B sample almost always confirms the A sample, it is highly likely this case will now be passed to the independent National Anti-Doping Panel.
The whole situation can take years to resolve – as was seen with Tyson Fury’s case.
In 2017, UKAD gave Fury a backdated two-year ban following a disputed positive test in 2015. The agency could have pushed for a four-year ban but, having already spent nearly £600,000 in legal fees, it reached an agreement with the British heavyweight.
Whyte has been through this process before, having tested positive for a banned stimulant after his victory over Hungary’s Sandor Balogh in October 2012.
That was the ninth straight win of the former kickboxing champion’s boxing career but it was his last fight until November 2014, as he was given a two-year ban.
Whyte’s defence at the time was that he had made a silly mistake by taking a popular and readily available training supplement without checking its ingredients – an error made by many athletes over the years but not an excuse usually accepted by the anti-doping authorities and his appeal against the sanction was rejected.
Now, having already served one sanction, Whyte is facing the prospect of a lifetime ban for a second offence.
