Brixton heavyweight Dillian Whyte taking legal action after ring exile

Dillian Whyte has reportedly been cleared to fight again – with the Brixton heavyweight’s positive drugs test caused by a contaminated supplement.

The 35-year-old had been set for a lucrative rematch against Anthony Joshua in August only for a late cancellation following what was described by VADA (Voluntary Anti-Doping Association) as “adverse analytical findings as part of a random anti-doping protocol”.

Sky Sports reported that they had seen documentation from a forensic expert concluding that Whyte took a nutritional supplement which did not disclose all the ingredients, which included a banned substance.

Whyte is taking legal action against the company which produced the product.

“It’s been really tough, because I knew I was innocent, but then you can’t talk, you can’t say nothing,” Whyte told Sky Sports. “You have to be professional, trust the process, trust the lawyers and trust the people around you. It’s been tough, but tough times make tough men.

“First of all, I’m relieved more than anything, but of course I’m angry as well because it’s cost me so much. The most important thing is it cost me the chance to beat AJ. Everything else after that is secondary but you know it’s a mix of emotions.

“I’m angry and I’m disappointed as well because people in this game don’t give you a chance to prove yourself. Everybody is quick to say, ‘Yeah, yeah, yeah,’ instead of giving people a chance.”

Whyte’s last bout was a majority decision over Jermaine Franklin in November 2022. He was outclassed and stopped by Tyson Fury in April of the same year when he challenged for the WBC world title.

Joshua went on to knock out Robert Helenius, who stepped in as the opponent after Whyte’s opportunity to face the Olympic gold medallist for a second time was blocked.

“I’m not going to lie, it was depressing and I was heartbroken,” said Whyte. “When you know you’re innocent and it’s not some bull**** story. When you’re going through everything and spending loads of money and time, losing sleep and thinking about it constantly. What did I do? Where did I eat? Where did I go?

“I was in Portugal, America, I was in the UK, I was all over the place. I was in London for the press conference. I was trying to piece together everything and trying to break everything down and going over it, over and over again. What did I eat that was out of the normal? What did I drink? Where did I eat? Where did I go? It was just depressing. It was like groundhog day every day, going over it, over and over. Trying to piece things together and then everything was coming up blank.

“They tested more than 45 things I used during camp. Supplements, toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, everything. I’m a private person and I had to open up my whole life to the investigation.

“To clear your name – that is the most important thing and that’s what we’ve done. It costs a lot and it’s stressful.

“It’s stressful when you’re pumping money out and you’re coming back with no return. But because I knew I was innocent, it was a matter of keeping on persevering, and restoring my reputation.”
“I’ve lost a lot of money and we’re seeking damages for all the money I’ve lost. Try to get some sort of redemption for my career.

“One thing I’ve learned because of the things going on around me, discipline is the only way in life you’re going to get forward and sometimes you’ve just got to keep your mouth shut, do a thorough process and break things down and go through things clearly so we can find what needs to be found.

“I would just like to thank everyone who has stood by me and supported me during this process and look forward to getting on with my career.”