Dillian Whyte has said he is ‘relieved’ but ‘angry’ after an investigation ruled that a contaminated supplement caused the positive drug test that scuppered his rematch with Anthony Joshua.
Whyte’s scheduled fight with Joshua in August last year was cancelled at the last minute after he returned ‘adverse analytical findings’ in a pre-fight drug test by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association.
The Brit, however, has now been absolved of any blame after an investigation uncovered he was the victim of a contaminated nutritional supplement.
The 35-year-old has been rarely seen or heard from since his suspension seven months ago but has now broken his silence, revealing the torturous and long-winded journey to clear his name.
‘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.
‘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 Joshua. 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 revealed that the investigation tested nearly 50 products he used in camp, ranging from supplements to his toothpaste, before finding the guilty supplement which had not disclosed a banned ingredient.
The heavyweight has said he now intends to pursue legal action against the American company that manufactured the supplement.
‘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,’ he added.
Whyte’s last fight was a unanimous decision victory against Jermaine Franklin in November 2022.
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