Days After Dillian Whyte Doping Test Fiasco, Eddie Hearn Slams Boards Like VADA for Not Having “Clear Disciplinary Procedure”

Finally, Eddie Hearn and Anthony Joshua sailed through a trying phase. They received a jolt out of the blue a few days before the Saturday fight night. The main card event between ‘AJ’ and Dillian Whyte had to be canceled as news of the latter failing to clear the VADA drug test came about. But thankfully, a quick replacement resolved the conundrum, and the fight ended with a resounding success for Joshua. But what about Dillian Whyte? In a tête-à-tête with Ariel Helwani, Ediie Hearn shared his exasperation with the issue.

The interview starts with the ace MMA journalist checking with the Matchroom boss on his emotional state when he comes across such dreary news. Citing a few examples, Hearn highlighted that he might have become ‘numb’ to it. But given his vast experience and expertise in the field, he quickly moves to a recovery plan.

Eddie Hearn on boxing anti-dpoing correctional approaches

Hearn, crediting Anthony Joshua for settling on a substitute, showcased the goings-on in the background. Then the conversation covered the fight per se, the usual comparisons of Anthony Joshua with Deontay Wilder, and more. Then he also spoke about the grand entry of UFC legend Conor McGregor at the venue. Helwani asked for a tentative date for the Joshua-Wilder fight. Eddie Hearn shared that it should occur sometime by the middle of January next year.

A few minutes later, Ariel Helwani asked, “Dylan Whyte feels like he’s like [the] way in the rearview mirror, but [what] what becomes of Dillian Whyte at this point from your perspective?” So Eddie Hearn replied, “I think the problem is in the sport of boxing; there’s no clear disciplinary procedure, especially when you’re talking about VADA testing.” Then he explained that he secured extra testing, to be done by VADA, for both Whyte and Joshua based on their briefing.

As it turned out, Dillian Whyte couldn’t clear the test. But the problem is that instead of having the BBBofC license, he holds the Portuguese Boxing Federation’s boxing license. Hence, it is a very ambiguous situation, not knowing who frames the process or, for that matter, who would be leading the investigation. While Hearn wished for VADA to take care of the disciplinary process, the reality is that they are just a ‘testing and reporting company.’

He highlighted that Dillian Whyte could not box since many followers may want him to clear his name first. However, the question remains: ‘What is that procedure?’ Then he also touched base on getting a contractual testing system on board. It means that if signed up on Matchroom, the boxers agree to ‘random testing.’ However, Hearn posited the fundamental problem of what should follow after that!

‘AJ’ getting better

Anyway, the event turned out to be a winner. Anthony Joshua knocked out Robert Helenius from Finland in the seventh round to announce his big return. The time he spent at award-winning trainer Derrick James‘s camp seems to be paying off. While it remains a doubt in several minds whether ‘AJ’ is strong enough to face ‘The Bronze Bomber,’ the year’s second victory proves that Joshua has left behind the shows of past defeats.

Read More: “Go Away Over There”: Eddie Hearn Draws A Stark Line Between Influencer And Professional Boxing

What is your opinion? Do you believe that Anthony Joshua is ready for Deontay Wilder now? Please share your thoughts and views with us in the comments below.

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