Anthony Joshua gets surprise doping test in Dubai

Anthony Joshua and his long-time promoter Eddie Hearn were enjoying a luxurious meal successful Dubai erstwhile their peaceful brushwood was unexpectedly interrupted by the UK Anti-Doping Agency (UKAD). UKAD representatives, partners of the British Boxing Federation (BBBofC), arrived unannounced to transportation retired a regular trial connected 1 of Britain’s astir celebrated athletes.

Hearn captured the lawsuit connected societal media, writing: “The astir tested boxer. Haven’t boxed successful a year. Out for meal successful Dubai and present comes UKAD.” The video shows the promoter adding with a smile: “Incredible scenes, UKAD shows up.”

The camera past pans to Joshua, who raises his manus and says with a large smile: “Ed, they indispensable person seen my pull-ups.”

UKAD has the authorization to trial immoderate boxer with a valid UKAD licence astatine immoderate clip – astatine home, successful grooming or, successful this case, during a meal abroad. Fighters are required to supply a urine, venous humor oregon dried humor sample, and notify the bureau erstwhile they permission the country.

Anthony Joshua has not competed since past September

Joshua, a two-time satellite heavyweight champion, has not competed since past September erstwhile helium was defeated by a knockout by Daniel Dubois. In the meantime, helium had to acquisition elbow surgery, which further delayed his return.

Hearn has confirmed that Joshua volition instrumentality to the ringing successful aboriginal 2026 - but against a cautiously selected opponent. "We person to take carefully. The adjacent combat volition beryllium a comeback fight, and past we'll spell for 1 past large changeable successful the summer. It won't beryllium Fury, Usik oregon Dubois. We request a apical 15 fighter, idiosyncratic who brings a competitory match, but that AJ tin travel successful caller aft much than a twelvemonth off. It would beryllium devastating to suffer now," Hearn told Sky Sports recently.

Joshua is already linking to respective options. The announcement of an statement successful rule for a "crossover" bout with YouTube prima Jake Paul attracted the astir attention. In addition, an connection to combat successful Ghana is connected the table, and Rio Olympic champion Tony Yoka is besides mentioned.

– “Yoka is connected the database of astir a twelve names. I expect idiosyncratic successful the apical 20, but not successful the apical 5. This is simply a rematch that has to incorporate a dose of information and amusement that we are acceptable to rotation the dice successful a large match,” explained Hearn.