After learning that his fight with Dillian Whyte has been cancelled due to a failed drugs test, Anthony Joshua praised Eddie Hearn and Matchroom. After Dillian Whyte’s failed drug tests, Anthony Joshua‘s reaction to Eddie Hearn
Joshua is set to fight for the first time since defeating Jermaine Franklin in April. He defeated Whyte in 2015 and has continued to press for a rematch, but lost that opportunity after failing a pre-fight drugs test, forcing Hearn to find a new opponent quickly.
After Dillian Whyte’s failed drug tests, Anthony Joshua’s reaction to Eddie Hearn.
The promoter has been successful, and Joshua will enter the ring to face Robert Helenius. In the immediate aftermath of the tragic news, the Watford-born fighter, who has been with Matchroom throughout his professional career, was eager to acknowledge their efforts.
Hearn revealed a text message he received from Joshua to Boxing Social: “Great Morning. I can only image how much work and effort you and your crew have put into organizing a fight night. Sorry for the bad news. Thank you for everything you and Matchroom do for me; it is greatly appreciated and I never take it for granted.”
Helenius has won 32 of his 36 fights, with two of his four losses coming against Whyte and Deontay Wilder – who has been mentioned as a potential Joshua opponent. The Englishman has praised his opponent’s eagerness to fight and believes “bigger and better things” await him.
“This wasn’t in the script,” he explained. I respect Helenius, and I respect any male or female who enters the ring. I am dead set on winning. I can take steps toward greater and better things, but there is a checkpoint on the road map: Saturday night. “May the best man triumph.”
Meanwhile, Whyte is attempting to recover from a potentially career-ending setback. He has not competed in 2023 and has denied any allegations that he has used a prohibited substance. He also urged people not to jump to conclusions.
“I am shocked and devastated to learn of a VADA report of adverse findings relating to me,” he added. I only found out about it this morning and am still processing it. I’ve also recently learned that the battle has been cancelled, with no opportunity to prove my innocence before the decision was made.
“I can confirm without a shadow of a 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.”
