Dillian Whyte will challenge for the WBC heavyweight title in 2021 after being reinstated as the mandatory challenger following a doping investigation.
Whyte beat Oscar Rivas in July to claim the WBC interim heavyweight title, but had it provisionally suspended pending an investigation from UK Anti-Doping for a failed drugs test.
The heavyweight had produced a urine sample a month before which contained ‘trace amounts’ of steroid metabolites.
Reinstated
UKAD recently cleared Whyte of all charges, and ‘The Body Snatcher’ now looks set to face Deontay Wilder or Tyson Fury in a title challenge in February 2021.
The announcement came just 24 hours before Whyte defeated Mariusz Wach by unanimous decision on December 7, on the undercard of Joshua vs Ruiz II.
In a statement, the WBC said: “Based on limited but detailed research and information gathering, including the WBC’s consultation with two independent experts, the WBC found that there was no sufficient or conclusive evidence that Whyte intentionally, or even knowingly, ingested a banned substance with the purpose of enhancing his performance in any fashion.”
“In light of the WBC’s own finding and of UKAD’s withdrawal of the claim against Mr Whyte, the WBC has closed its internal investigation.”
“The WBC is hereby lifting its provisional suspension and confirming its recognition of Mr Whyte as WBC Interim world heavyweight champion.”
The 31-year-old recently took to social media with a strong message for those who doubted him.
He wrote: “For those who believed in me I won’t forget you. To those who didn’t, I won’t forgive you and I know who you are.”
Rightful Challenger
Following UKAD’s verdict, promoter Eddie Hearn immediately called for the reinstatement of Whyte’s mandatory challenger status.
Hearn told Sky Sports: “We go back to the WBC now and make sure they give him what he was supposed to get.”
“In my opinion, they took it away unjustly, so now, bearing in mind the results of the case, they have to reinstate him immediately.”
Back on Track
Following the WBC’s decision, the Jamaica-born heavyweight is now looking to get his career back on track.
He recently expressed confidence that he would beat his rivals.
Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury are set to face each other for the heavyweight title in February 2020.
The winner will be in the cross hairs as Whyte looks to finally get his shot at becoming champion.
(Featured image source: Instagram/ Dillian Whyte, Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury)