Anthony Joshua takes drastic measures to prevent reputation being ruined

Anthony Joshua Takes Drastic Measures to Protect Reputation Amid Doping Scandals

Two-time world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is leaving no stone unturned in his quest to protect his reputation and avoid any potential doping scandals. As he prepares to face Daniel Dubois for the IBF belt in an all-British showdown at Wembley Stadium in September, Joshua’s team is taking drastic measures to ensure that he is not inadvertently exposed to any banned substances.

 

According to boxing promoter Eddie Hearn, every bottle of liquid that Joshua consumes is tested beforehand to prevent any attempt to surreptitiously introduce banned substances into his system. This level of paranoia may seem extreme, but Hearn believes it is necessary in a sport where the threat of contamination is ever-present.

 

Hearn’s concerns are not unfounded. In recent years, several high-profile boxers have been embroiled in doping scandals, including two of Joshua’s opponents last year. Dillian Whyte failed a drugs test ahead of his scheduled fight with Joshua, while Robert Helenius was handed a two-year doping ban after testing positive for a banned substance following his fight with Joshua.

 

Joshua, meanwhile, has consistently returned negative tests for his Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (Vada) tests, but Hearn knows that one mistake could ruin his reputation forever. “The worst thing in the world is testing positive for having not knowingly taken a substance,” Hearn said. “Then you’re called a cheat for the rest of your life despite never having done it.”

 

Hearn estimates that 20% of failed drugs tests are the result of unintentional contamination, while 80% are due to deliberate cheating. He believes that the threat of contamination is so great that it is essential to test every bottle that comes into contact with Joshua.

 

This level of vigilance may seem excessive, but Hearn knows that the stakes are high. Joshua’s reputation and career are on the line, and one mistake could have devastating consequences. “I’m paranoid in that world because I know what people are like,” Hearn said.

 

The threat of contamination is not limited to deliberate attempts to introduce banned substances into an athlete’s system. There are also risks associated with food and drink that may contain trace amounts of banned substances. Hearn cited the example of meat containing testosterone in Mexico, which has led to some fighters testing positive for the substance.

 

To mitigate these risks, Joshua’s team takes a cautious approach to everything he consumes. “Whenever I go to a restaurant with AJ, I’m looking at the food thinking, because there’s some horrible stuff out there,” Hearn said. “You put something in that food and your career is over.”

 

The measures that Joshua’s team is taking may seem extreme, but they are necessary in a sport where the threat of doping is ever-present. By testing every bottle that comes into contact with Joshua, Hearn believes that they can minimize the risk of contamination and protect his reputation.

 

As Joshua prepares to face Dubois in September, he knows that he has a lot to lose. His reputation, his career, and his legacy are all on the line. But with Hearn’s vigilant approach to doping, he can focus on what he does best – fighting.