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Breaking – Anthony Joshua sees rematch with Dillian Whyte scrapped following failed drug test return

Anthony Joshua rematch with Dillian Whyte cancelled after failed drug test result boxing A planned August 12. heavyweight rematch between former world champion, Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte has been shelved, after “adverse analytical findings” were returned after a random drug test submitted by the latter. Eddie Hearn confirms the cancellation of Anthony Joshua vs. Dillian Whyte II Per an official statement from Matchroom Boxing, Anthony Joshua’s scheduled […]

A planned August 12. heavyweight rematch between former world champion, Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte has been shelved, after “adverse analytical findings” were returned after a random drug test submitted by the latter.

Eddie Hearn confirms the cancellation of Anthony Joshua vs. Dillian Whyte II

Per an official statement from Matchroom Boxing, Anthony Joshua’s scheduled heavyweight rematch with Whyte – which was slated to take place next weekend in London, has now been cancelled following the anti-doping violation.

“5 August 2023 – Today, the Voluntary Anti-Doping Assocaiation [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,” A statement released read.”

“In light of the new, the fight will be cancelled, and a full investigation will be conducted. Further information on the event will follow.”

BREAKING..more updates to follow shortly. pic.twitter.com/cnKFqYgIVV

— Eddie Hearn (@EddieHearn) August 5, 2023

Initially sharing the ring back in December 2015 at The O2 Arena in the capital, Joshua managed to clinch the British heavyweight title with a seventh round knockout win over Whyte.

In his most recent outing, former world heavyweight champion, Joshua, 33, snapped a run of two consecutive losses to current champion, Oleksandr Usyk – with a unanimous decision win over common-foe, Jermaine Franklin back in April in London.

As for Whyte, the 35-year-old Jamaican-born fighter himself most recently landed a win over common-foe, Franklin, defeating the American heavyweight back in November with a majority decision victory.

The triumph propelled Whyte back to the winner’s enclosure following a WBC heavyweight title challenge loss to incumbent gold holder, Tyson Fury earlier last year, after he had earned a championship try with a stunning rematch knockout of Alexander Povetkin.

With the future of Joshua currently unclear, the Watford native was linked with a subsequent showdown with former WBC heavyweight titleholder, Deontay Wilder later this year following his planned return against Whyte next weekend.

What’s next for former world champion, Anthony Joshua?

Report – Anthony Joshua expected to fight Dillian Whyte in August rematch in London

According to multiple reports this Monday afternoon, it appears former world champion, Anthony Joshua is edging closer toward a return to the boxing ring for the second time this year, with former-foe, Dillian Whyte reportedly penning his bout agreement for a planned August 12. rematch in London, England. Joshua, a former WBA, WBO, IBO, IBF […]

Joshua, a former WBA, WBO, IBO, IBF world heavyweight champion, snapped a two-fight losing skid to Oleksandr Usyk earlier this year in his fighting return to the U.K. – defeating Jermaine Franklin with a unanimous decision win in the capital.

Whyte, a former interim WBC heavyweight champion, who boasts a 29-3 professional record, most recently turned in a majority decision win of his own over common-foe, Franklin back in November of last year.

Fighting Anthony Joshua for the first time back in 2015, Whyte suffered a seventh round TKO loss to the Watford native in the pair’s championship clash.

Anthony Joshua has been lined up for a London rematch with Dillian Whyte

And in the wake of rumors linking him to a potential end-of-year clash with former WBC heavyweight champion, Deontay Wilder in Saudi Arabia, Joshua has reportedly been lined up to return firstly in August on home soil – with links to a rematch against Whyte – whose team recently confirmed the presence of a now-signed bout agreement.

“Dillian (Whyte) returned the signed agreement on Sunday morning ET and that he is unaware of any other party being in the frame for the fight,” A statement released to ESPN from Whyte’s spokesperson read. “He is looking forward to fighting Anthony Joshua for a second time on Aug 12. at The O2.”

25-3 as a professional, Joshua’s sole other professional loss came in the form of a upset knockout defeat to former champion, Andy Ruiz Jr. in his North American debut back in June 2019 in Madison Square Garden.

Over the course of his tenured career, Joshua, 33, holds wins over the likes of Dillian Whyte, Charles Martin, Dominic Breazeale, Wladimir Klitschko, Joseph Parker, Alexander Povetkin, Andy Ruiz Jr., and Kubrat Pulev to name a few.

Deontay Wilder echoes offer to take on Francis Ngannou in 2 fight deal, MMA & boxing

Former WBC heavyweight champion, Deontay Wilder seems to be interested in fighting Francis Ngannou in both MMA and boxing. It has been apparent for some time now that Ngannou has been highly interested in making the switch to boxing, namely targeting big time heavyweights such as Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder. His new […]

Former WBC heavyweight champion, Deontay Wilder seems to be interested in fighting Francis Ngannou in both MMA and boxing.

It has been apparent for some time now that Ngannou has been highly interested in making the switch to boxing, namely targeting big time heavyweights such as Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder. His new deal with the PFL means that ‘The Predator‘ is free to explore boxing matchups out with the promotion, but it seems that one of the big boys have come to him.

Deontay Wilder attends PFL

Last night ‘The Bronze Bomber’ attended PFL 4 in Atlanta, Georgia and his appearance did not disappoint. The often animated Wilder spoke to the broadcast team and when the formerly mentioned Ngannou matchup was brought up, Wilder said he would be interested in facing Ngannou. In fact, Wilder would go as far as to say he would be willing to step into the cage.

“I thought about this many times,” Wilder began. “Even with Ngannou, we were talking about getting together. You always see the MMA guys crossing over, but you never see the boxers crossing over, so I said I’m willing to make it more interesting for the fans and just the whole combat family as in a whole. I said why don’t you come to my backyard, and after we handle business, I can come to yours and crossover and I really meant it. So things are still up in the air, but I have seen myself on this side of the field, you know. People will be very impressed on what I can do in my abilities to be here.”

Wilder would continue, doubling down on his claims that he would be willing to face Ngannou inside the PFL cage.

“Aye Francis, if you listening, we discussed this before, and hey, we got many space and opportunity to discuss it once more,” Wilder said “Aye, I’m looking for a two-fight crossing over. I’m willing to just go in the octagon as well as the original plans, but you know, the fans want to see it. I want to be a part of it. So let’s give them what they want to see.“

Deontay Wilder speaks with PFL broadcast team

While an Ngannou Vs. Wilder matchup is a fun idea, the chances of it actually happening any time soon are slim. Wilder has been involved in negotiations to face Joshua for 10’s of millions of dollars later this year and its unclear, even with apparent new investors, if the PFL could match such a purse. However, should Wilder drop his next couple bout, options become slim or if any number of events take place, the matchup could take place. (H/T MMA News)

How would a two-fight series between Deontay Wilder and Francis Ngannou go?

Francis Ngannou manager outlines boxing plans, teases potential clash with Tyson Fury: ‘We’d love that matchup’

Francis Ngannou’s manager Marquel Martin expects to have a tune-up boxing bout before jumping into a big-name fight. Ngannou’s monumental new deal with PFL has given ‘The Predator’ the freedom and terms that he always wanted. Along with being chairman of PFL Africa as well as many other perks, Ngannou has also been given the […]

Francis Ngannou’s manager Marquel Martin expects to have a tune-up boxing bout before jumping into a big-name fight.

Ngannou’s monumental new deal with PFL has given ‘The Predator’ the freedom and terms that he always wanted. Along with being chairman of PFL Africa as well as many other perks, Ngannou has also been given the freedom to box out with the PFL banner, hoping to secure a fight with big-name heavyweights such as Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilder or Anthony Joshua.

However, Ngannou will not return to competition until mid-2024 with either a fight on the PFL’s new super fight division, or a boxing match o the table

Francis Ngannou manager discusses future

The one thing Ngannou does have is options, and while the 36-year-old is not getting any younger, he and his management team are planning the best route to optimize his new position.

Talking on The MMA Hour, Martin would discuss Ngannou’s next steps and didn’t rule out a tune-up boxing match.

“We go back and forth on that all the time,” Martin said. “We’d love if one of the big fights present himself, but it seems like they’re kind of tied up. So I guess tune-up fight. Francis isn’t a traditional boxer, so every fight is a big fight. But I know Francis wants to challenge himself.

“Obviously, you see Deontay out there, Anthony Joshua out there, Tyson Fury out there, we’d love that matchup. I think that’s something that has a narrative and a story behind it that’s bigger than just the fight game, and at the same time, we want to see who the baddest man on the planet is.” (H/T MMAFighting)

Ultimately, while money is important, it is not the deal breaker for Ngannou and the Cameroonian plans on giving back to those who need it.

“And at the end of the day this is not about just money,” Marin said. “Francis wants to develop the sport in Africa. Combat sports. Again, one of the reasons why I fought for him so passionately or whatever you want to call it is because this dude is bigger than himself, the fight game.”

Francis Ngannou’s manager discusses future

What would you like to see Francis Ngannou do next?

Anthony Joshua unmoved by ‘Gimmick’ fight with recent PFL signing Francis Ngannou: ‘It is dangerous’

Matchroom Boxing promoter, Eddie Hearn has claimed that while former boxing world champion, Anthony Joshua is receptive to the idea of a future fight with former UFC heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou, he claims the former is currently unmoved by the matchup – one which he describes as “gimmicky” Ngannou, a former undisputed heavyweight champion under […]

Ngannou, a former undisputed heavyweight champion under the banner of the UFC, made big splashes this week as the confirmation of his signature with the PFL (Professional Fighters League) was announced officially – ahead of a return to professional mixed martial arts sometime next year.

Agreeing terms with the Peter Murray-led organization, Ngannou, who is expected to fight in professional boxing first this year before his comeback to active competition in mixed martial arts, revealed that he believed cross-over fights with former WBC heavyweight champion, Deontay Wilder, and current gold holder, Tyson Fury were the two most likely debut opponents for him.

Anthony Joshua remains unfocused on potential Francis Ngannou clash

Linked with a bout against former Olympian, Joshua – who recently rebounded to winning-ways in a victory over Jermaine Franklin, Ngannou’s quest for a boxing debut may not come immediately through the Watford native, however.

“I think the Francis Ngannou fight happens in the Middle East,” Anthony Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn told The Mac Life. “It’s a kind of – not freak shot, because Francis can box as well, but the big money comes there from the Middle East. And in August, it’s not really the time to do it [because of weather-], mainly.”

“I spoke to A.J. (Anthony Joshua) about the fight [with Francis Ngannou],” Eddie Hearn explained. “He likes it and he gets it, but he’s very focused on his boxing career at the moment. And he doesn’t want to derail that to do something a little bit gimmicky. Even thought it is dangerous, he wants to prepare for Deontay Wilder, and I think he doesn’t feel that Ngannou would prepare him for Deontay Wilder.” (Transcribed by MMA Mania)

Anthony Joshua confirms December clash with Deontay Wilder amid links to Francis Ngannou fight

Former heavyweight world champion, Anthony Joshua has confirmed plans to face former WBC titleholder, Deontay Wilder in an end-of-year title-eliminator, appearing to puth the kibosh on a long-rumoured showdown against former UFC heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou for the duo. Snapping a two-fight losing skid earlier this month on home soil, British heavyweight veteran, Anthony Joshua […]

Snapping a two-fight losing skid earlier this month on home soil, British heavyweight veteran, Anthony Joshua managed to land a unanimous decision victory over Jermaine Franklin.

As for Wilder, the former WBC heavyweight champion also returned to the winner’s enclosure for the November 2019, back in October of last year, returning triumphantly from a title loss with a thunderous first round knockout win over Robert Helenius.

Cameroon native, Ngannou on the other hand, has been sidelined from mixed martial arts competition since January of last year, successfully unifying the heavyweight titles under the UFC banner in a unanimous decision win over former interim titleholder, Cyril Gane in Anaheim, California.

Linked with an immediate transition to the squared circle following his departure from the UFC back in January, Ngannou also held important talks with Singapore-based promotion, ONE Championship this weekend.

Francis Ngannou has been linked with fights against both Anthony Joshua, and Deontay Wilder

In recent weeks, talks have suggested Ngannou may be line for a boxing debut against either Joshua or Wilder later this year, however, according to former world champion, Joshua – a clash between Wilder and he looks all but set for December.

“On Instagram with KayPhysical on April 21, when asked if he would beat Wilder, Joshua said, “…That’s what’s happening,” Anthony Joshua said. “Kayphysical asked Joshua if it was happening in Dec., and Joshua laughed and said, ‘…It’s public news; we are getting it done. We are throwing down in Dec.” (Transcribed by MMA News)

News of a potential Joshua – Wilder clash comes hot on the heels of comments made by Matchroom Boxing leader, Eddie Hearn – who skirted a potential fight between Joshua and Ngannou in the immediate future.