London (AFP)
The WBC has lifted the temporary suspension imposed on British boxer Dillian Whyte, tested positive in July, "for lack of sufficient evidence" and has reappointed his status of world heavyweight champion ai, she said Wednesday .
After investigation, "including information gathering and consultation with two independent experts of the WBC, the UK Anti-Doping Agency (UKAD) concluded that there was insufficient evidence to confirm that Mr. Whyte had ingested a prohibited substance in order to improve its performance, "recalled the World Boxing Council in a statement.
"The WBC lifts the interim suspension and confirms the reinstatement of Mr. Whyte in his status of WBC heavyweight world champion," the federation said, adding that it has closed its internal investigation.
Whyte, 31, was tested positive three days before his fight against Colombian Oscar Rivas on July 20 in London, but was still allowed to fight pending the end of the anti-doping procedure.
Whyte had imposed himself following a unanimous decision of the judges. This success made him the N.1 challenger to face the American Deontay Wilder, holder of the World WBC heavyweight belt.
The WBC said Whyte would once again become the division's N.1 challenger after Wilder's second fight with Britain's Tyson Fury on Feb. 22 in Las Vegas. Whyte must fight in this capacity "by February 2021," said the WBC.
The world's IBF, WBA and WBO heavyweight belts have returned to Britain's Anthony Joshua, who took revenge on American Andy Ruiz in points Saturday in Diriya, Saudi Arabia.
© 2019 AFP