Anthony Joshua fight cancelled after Dillian Whyte returns ‘adverse findings’ in VADA test

Anthony Joshua’s rematch with Dillian Whyte has been called off at just a week’s notice after Whyte returned “adverse analytical findings” in a Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) test.

Promoter Matchroom confirmed the “Body Snatcher” failed a random anti-doping protocol and said “a full investigation will be conducted”.

The two British heavyweights first fought in December 2015, with AJ winning by technical knockout in the seventh round.

Whyte previously tested positive for a banned substance, Methylhexaneamine, in 2012 after facing Sandor Balogh, which it was found he had ingested through a training supplement.

He was banned from the ring for two years and the result of the Balogh fight written off.

Amid increasing uncertainty over Joshua’s top-level future, Whyte was scheduled to meet him on 12 August, with Derek Chisora, Johnny Fisher and Filip Hrgovic all on the undercard.

It would have been Joshua’s first outing since an unimpressive victory over Jermaine Franklin back in April.

That contest went the distance and Whyte was on standby at ringside to call out Joshua for a reunion.

Whyte also beat Franklin in his most recent fight, though his win by majority decision sparked huge controversy as he returned for the first time since being knocked out by Tyson Fury at Wembley.

Eddie Hearn said further updates would follow in due course. As it stands it is understood the rest of the card could still go ahead and Joshua will seek a last-minute opponent change.