Anthony Joshua: Doping Has Damaged Boxing

British boxer, Anthony Joshua. (Photo: Twitter @anthonyjoshua)

JAKARTA Anthony Joshua claims that currently doping is a serious problem in boxing. He did not deny that illegal drugs had damaged boxing.

He said that after canceling his match against Dillian Whyte because his potential opponent failed a drug test.

Whyte failed to pass a random doping test. In fact, it is scheduled to meet Joshua this weekend at the O2 Arena, London, England.

Finnish boxer Robert Helenius then replaced Whyte for the duel. However, Joshua highlighted that currently boxing has been plagued by doping problems.

"There is definitely a doping problem in this sport. I'm not very involved in the boxing industry, but I know this is a problem," Joshua said as quoted by The Sun.

Joshua also regretted the test results that cost Whyte. However, he hopes his old enemy can prove that he is innocent in the test results.

"I don't wish Dillian anything bad. However, his reputation has been tarnished. Doping is damaging this sport. We lost the game and almost lost the card because of this situation," he said.

The results of this doping test made Whyte threatened to get a ban on competing which could damage his career. He before 2019 also faced the threat of not being allowed to duel for eight years following allegations of using doping.

If you go back back, Whyte has experienced a two-year boxing ban in 2012-2014 after being tested positive for banning stimulants.