“Fast Eddie” and the Case of the Missing B-sample of Dillian Whyte!
It’s been a month now since Dillian Whyte’s victory over Oscar Rivas on July 20. This should’ve positioned the British heavyweight contender for a mandatory bout against WBC champion Deontay Wilder.
There was a complication however, as Dillian Whyte failed a PED test administered by UKAD. The substances in question are epimethandienone and hydroxymethandienone, two metabolites found in the banned drug Dianabol.
This is the second PED test Dillian Whyte has failed. The Brixton heavyweight tested positive for methylhexaneamine following a 2012 fight with Sandor Balogh. If UKAD and the BBBofC (British Boxing Board of Control) were to seek further action, Whyte would be subject to a two-year ban.
A FAST PASS
The reactions of Dillian Whyte and Eddie Hearn have been head scratching to say the least. First was the failure to notify Oscar Rivas and his team of the averse finding regarding the failed PED test.
Prior to the bout, Eddie Hearn and Dillian Whyte met with officials from UKAD and the BBBofC. The result was that, regardless of the averse findings, the fight could proceed.
To date, there’s no official explanation by UKAD or the BBBofC regarding the findings of this meeting.
Following Whyte’s victory over Rivas, there’s been virtually no follow-up regarding the testing situation. Eddie Hearn has been very fastidious with his language regarding the test results.
“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.” ~ Eddie Hearn
Hearn also tweeted this exact phrase on July 24. Obviously, legal experts vetted such verbiage, as it doesn’t address Whyte’s guilt or innocence and it’s not a denial of a failed test.
Dillian Whyte, however, was more direct in his comments regarding the situation.
“I am so disappointed with the rubbish that’s been said about me over the last few days! I have lawyers dealing with it and I’ve been told I can’t talk about it for good legal reasons. I was cleared to fight and I won that fight fair and square. Thanks for the support.”
This leads us to the million dollar question. What about the B-sample?
WHAT’S NEXT?
The next step in a situation like this would be to test Dillian Whyte’s B-sample. With a typical PED test, the testers separate a portion, a B-sample of the sample first.
They may use the sample for further testing if the subject disagrees with the initial findings. UKAD not only functions as a testing agency but, also can adjudicate sanctions and suspensions. The fact that they didn’t punish Dillian Whyte is key in this situation we have now.
Under UKAD rules, only the Charge (the person tested) can request a new test on the B-sample. As of the writing of this article, there’s been no confirmation of such a request.
Since UKAD cleared Dillian Whyte to fight, he and Matchroom may not request a testing of the B-sample. Perhaps he hasn’t made such a request.
As of now, Dillian Whyte is under provisional suspension by the WBC. Here is their official statement.
“An A-sample collected by UKAD from Whyte yielded an averse finding. In light of that finding, and pending the outcome of the investigation and the WBC award process, the World Boxing Council provisionally suspends the recognition of Dillian Whyte as the interim WBC Interim World Champion and mandatory challenger of the division.”
This leads us back to our million dollar question. Without a B-sample, how does Whyte enforce a mandatory position?
Also, if Whyte hasn’t or doesn’t request a B-sample, how long does the WBC wait before moving on to another mandatory?
We at 3kingsboxing.com will keep you posted as this situation develops.
By: Corey Cunningham
