Dillian Whyte reportedly failed a pre-fight drugs test before his WBC world title eliminator against
Oscar Rivas, but was still allowed to fight due to UKAD rules.
The Brixton heavyweight allegedly tested positive for a banned substance in a test taken by UKAD three days before his fight with Rivas, which he won by split decision.
A report from
boxing Scene alleges that Whyte failed a test, with both the fighter’s camp and his promoter, Matchroom Boxing, being made aware of the result.
However, he was still allowed to fight, and the report claims that the WBC were not made aware of the results of the test.
The report, written by Thomas Hauser, claims that because of the adjudication process - which begins after the B sample is taken - there has not been a finding that a fighter is in breach of any protocols, meaning no ban can be placed upon the fighter.
This would explain why Whyte was allowed to compete just three days later.
The test results allegedly came back on July 17, just days before Whyte stepped into the ring, and were handed over to Whyte’s team as well as his promotional team, Matchroom Boxing.
Whyte had to climb off the canvas to defeat Rivas, having been put down heavily by the challenger.
The win made him mandatory for Deontay Wilder’s WBC world title, with a fight between the two expected to take place next year.
However, this result now further complicates his world title quest.
Eddie Hearn, Whyte’s promoter, was quick to respond to the reports, and confirmed that both Whyte and Rivas had been cleared to fight.
In a tweet, he also confirmed that both fighters had been tested by VADA [Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency], which is the testing team for the WBC's Clean Boxing programme.
He posted: “Further to reports I can confirm that both Dillian Whyte and Oscar Rivas were subject to extensive VADA and UKAD testing for their bout.
”Both fighters were cleared to fight by both bodies and the BBBofC.”
The British Boxing Board of Control, Matchroom Boxing and Dillian Whyte’s management team have all been contacted for comment.