01 September 2023 , 18:41
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Anthony Joshua has returned negative tests for his VADA testing after BOTH of his opponents for last month's O2 Arena fight tested positive in the build-up.
Joshua ended up fighting Robert Helenius on short notice after Dillian Whyte had tested positive for a banned substance, knocking the card down from pay-per-view to a standard DAZN fight. But disaster struck after his seventh round knockout when Helenius as well tested positive, causing further controversy over the event.
Both men have protested their innocence, while Joshua has remained relatively quiet on the issue after the fact. It was the latest in a string of stories regarding drugs in boxing, but the Brit has tested clean, as with the rest of his career, and is expected to move on to a showdown with Deontay Wilder in Saudi Arabia next year.
A tweet from the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association, who administered the testing for his fight, tweeted today: "Congratulations to Anthony Joshua for successfully completing VADA Testing through his August 12, 2023 bout." The also tagged Eddie Hearn, Frank Smith, Shaun Palmer and the British Boxing Board of Control.
Earlier this week, after telling the Matchroom Boxing YouTube channel that Joshua wanted the statement out, Hearn read the following from a text exchange between the two: "Thank you for the extra attention you take making sure all fighters are brought to the light [who are doping]. Without Matchroom Sport these things are being overlooked."
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Both Whyte and Helenius have denied that they knowingly took any performance enhancing drugs, with Helenius saying in a statement: "I want to say something very clear in my own words right now with absolutely no exception. I did not use any performance enhancement now or ever. I have been tested my entire career.
"I was just told that I tested positive for the presence of a non-steroid substance in my system and I wanted to send an immediate direct message to Anthony Joshua and boxing fans that I didn't cheat and never would. I volunteer to work with VADA and the BBBofC (British Boxing Board of Control) to do whatever it takes to clear my name."
Robert Helenius was knocked out by Anthony Joshua earlier this month (Mark Robinson Photography/Matchroom Boxing)In a statement released last week, Joshua's promoter Matchroom said: "Today, the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) hos Informed Matchroom and the British Boxing Board of Control that Robert Helenius has returned an adverse analytical finding as port of a random anti-doping protocol.
"Helenius was voluntarily tested on Friday, August 11 before the heavyweight fighter's defeat by Anthony Joshua in London on Saturday, August 12. The result was made known to Matchroom today. Matchroom defers to the relevant regulatory authorities on next steps. We vehemently continue to support voluntary anti-doping testing. We are committed to promoting a clean and fair sport for all athletes. We will not be making any further comment."
Whyte released a lengthy statement after his fight had been cancelled with Joshua, saying: "I am shocked and devastated to learn of a report by VADA of adverse findings relating to me. I only learned of it this morning and am still reacting to it. I have also just seen that the fight is being cancelled without having any chance to demonstrate my innocence before the decision was taken.
"I can confirm without a shadow of 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.
"I insisted on 24/7 VADA testing for this fight, as I have done voluntarily and at my own expense for all of my fights for many, many years. This is not the first time that I have been reported as having an adverse finding for a substance which I have not taken, and as I did last time I will again prove that I am completely innocent.
"In the meantime, all I can do is express my extreme disappointment to boxing fans, who will miss out on what was sure to be a great event."