Eddie Hearn has exclusively told talkSPORT that he does not believe Dillian Whyte has cheated despite testing positive for a banned substance.
The ‘Body Snatcher’ beat Oscar Rivas on points on July 20, though it was subsequently revealed a UKAD test returned three days earlier stated that his system contained an adverse finding.
Giving an update on Wednesday, Hearn told talkSPORT’s Nick Peet: “As I’ve said in the whole process of this. I feel particularly that we followed all the rules, all the process.
“And on Dillian Whyte, protocol was followed. He had a hearing, he was cleared [to box] at that hearing.
“And now, really, he’s gotta convince everybody else. He’s cleared to box now, not just on that night. He could box on Saturday, if he wants.
“But he has to make sure that everything is done properly now with his legal team, and I keep getting told off for even opening my mouth.
“But this has to come out with all the facts and he has to prove his innocence because, as far as I’m concerned, everyone’s just presumed he’s guilty anyway.
“The confidential facts – between the two parties until the case comes out – is that no-one really knows all the facts.
“But what I keep saying to people is just understand that a hearing was had with an independent panel where he was cleared to box.
“Ask yourself why he was cleared, perhaps there’s a very good chance that they saw the evidence that meant that he was innocent.
“So rest on that until you get all the news, and then you can judge.”
Dillian Whyte has intensive workout ahead of Oscar Rivas fight
Regarding his own views on Whyte – the man he has promoted on a remarkable comeback since his defeat to Anthony Joshua in 2015 – Hearn insisted he has faith in his testimony.
The promoter continued: “This whole process is not some sham process that was put together by me and Dillian Whyte’s corner team.
“This is a government agency in UKAD [UK Anti-Doping], this is the NADP, National Anti-Doping panel, this is the British Boxing Board of Control.
“So that process has to be followed now. But he wants all the information to come out as soon as possible.
“There is huge confidentiality of that process until such time where you will get the news. We want that news ASAP, because this is so detrimental to his career.
“If he’s found to be innocent, completely innocent, which right now you can’t say he’s not, then great.
“If he’s found to be guilty and he has done something wrong, which in my heart of hearts I don’t believe so, then he should be banned from the sport.
“Anybody that cheats in the sport of boxing should be.”
The WBC announced on Tuesday night that they have provisionally suspended Whyte as ‘interim’ champion and mandatory challenger.
This decision has confused his team who insist those dealing with the case have opted not to do the same.
Hearn concluded: “When this fight was made with Oscar Rivas, the first thing Dillian Whyte did was phone me up and say, ‘Has he signed up to VADA testing, here’s my forms, make sure he does as well.’
“I chase Oscar Rivas, I chase Oscar Rivas, eventually he signs up as well, VADA testing’s started.
“So it’s difficult for me to not presume he’s innocent when I see this day in, day out.
“The guy comes to press conferences, he wears gloves, he won’t touch anything, he’s paranoid.
“But he’s still gotta answer the questions as to why there was an issue.
“You can just say, ‘I do VADA testing, therefore I’m innocent.’
“You’ve gotta prove it to people, especially now.”
