Eddie Hearn scrambling after Dillian Whyte's failed drug test

Anthony Joshua's highly-anticipated rematch with Dillian Whyte has been scrapped following Whyte's failed drug test. However, Joshua may still fight next weekend as Eddie Hearn looks for a replacement opponent.

Axed rematch

The rematch between Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte, scheduled for next weekend, has been canceled due to a failed drug test by Whyte. This comes as a blow to both fighters and fans who were eagerly anticipating their second showdown.

Picture: Anthony Joshua's rematch with Dillian Whyte fell through this weekend

Picture: A failed drug test for Whyte scuppered the eagerly-anticipated grudge match

Picture: Eddie Hearn is frantically trying to find a short-notice replacement for Whyte

Searching for a replacement

While the substance found in Whyte's system remains undisclosed, Matchroom Boxing is keen for Anthony Joshua to stay active ahead of a Saudi showdown next year. As a result, promoter Eddie Hearn is working tirelessly to find a last-minute replacement for Whyte.

American Gerald Washington emerges as frontrunner

American boxer Gerald Washington is currently the frontrunner to step in and face Joshua. Washington, who is set to fight Derek Chisora on the undercard, has the potential to replicate the hard-hitting style of Deontay Wilder, as he is part of Wilder's team. However, Chisora is unlikely to be considered as he is a long-time friend of Joshua.

Picture: American Gerald Washington is the frontrunner to replace Whyte

Anticipation for the rematch

Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte's third showdown, originally meant to be a pay-per-view event on DAZN, is in jeopardy. However, international broadcaster DAZN is considering making it available to regular subscribers if Joshua can secure a last-minute opponent.

Silence from Joshua and Whyte

Neither Joshua nor Whyte have made any statements regarding the cancellation of their highly-anticipated rematch. However, Eddie Hearn has taken to Twitter twice since the news broke, indicating that he is working on finding a solution.

Saving face after recent losses

Anthony Joshua, coming off two consecutive defeats by Oleksandr Usyk, was looking to get back on track with a win against Whyte. On the other hand, Whyte secured a controversial split decision victory over Jermaine Franklin last year. Both fighters were hoping for a statement win in their rematch.

This is a developing story...

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