Promoter Eddie Hearn has responded to reports of an alleged failed drugs test for Dillian Whyte in the days before his fight against Oscar Rivas.
The Brit triumphed by unanimous decision after being knocked down in the ninth round to win the WBC interim world heavyweight title.
But a report from Boxing Scene on Wednesday now alleges Whyte’s ‘A’ sample from a UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) test taken three days before the fight on July 17 has returned positive for a banned substance. The results of Whyte’s ‘B’ sample are yet to be revealed.
The report adds that Whyte’s team, Matchroom Boxing and the British Boxing Board of Control were informed before the fight, but the Board allowed the fight to go ahead.
And Hearn has now responded by insisting Whyte was cleared to fight by the BBBofC, UKAD and VADA, who administer the WBC’s Clean Boxing Program, though he did not confirm whether his fighter had failed a test or not.
“Further to reports I can confirm that both Dillian Whyte and Oscar Rivas were subject to extensive VADA and UKAD testing for their bout,” Hearn announced.
“Both fighters were cleared to fight by both bodies and the BBBofC.”
Whyte was previously banned from the sport in 2012 after returning a positive test for Methylhexaneamine after his fight against Sandor Balogh.
UKAD have been contacted for comment by The Independent.
