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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Ben Davies

Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk final drug test results released after rematch

Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk both passed their final drug tests following their heavyweight rematch.

Joshua was outclassed at the second time of asking by Usyk who boxed his way to a split-decision victory in Saudi Arabia last month. 'AJ' was looking for revenge after losing to the Ukrainian last September, but despite putting in an improved display he was simply unable to counter Usyk's superior boxing skills.

The heavyweight pair signed up to drug testing through the Voluntary Anti-Doping Ageny - VADA - ahead of the fight with the pair having now passed the latest set of tests after the fight. The organisation tweeted: "Congratulations to Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk for again successfully completing VADA testing through their rematch."

Joshua insists all of his opponents are enrolled on the programme for for a 10-12 week period before entering the ring, a process which saw Jarrell Miller fail multiple tests in the build-up to his ill-fate fight with Joshua in 2019. Joshua instead took on Andy Ruiz Jr who inflicted a first career defeat on the Briton.

Usyk was a significant favourite going into the rematch after coming away from their first 'chess match' encounter with a dominant unanimous decision victory. He had been expected to fight Fury before the end of the year but has since said he will not be ready until February or March.

Do you think Oleksandr Usyk can now beat Tyson Fury? Let us know in the comments section below

Oleksandr Usyk beat Anthony Joshua in their rematch (Action Images via Reuters)

Fury's promoter Frank Warren confirmed: “Do I think it will be made? Yes I do. Usyk’s team and the fighter said immediately after the fight he wants it. I know Tyson wants it. Myself and [US co-promoter] Bob Arum, we want it. It will just be how we make it work financially.

“There will be big demands from both boxers, and rightly so. This is a unique event. This is the biggest heavyweight title fight since Muhammad Ali vs Joe Frazier. It’s a huge fight because both are undefeated, all the belts are there to be won."

Meanwhile, Joshua faces a rebuild having slipped out of the title picture for the first time in several years, but has been offered a surprise shot at Fury's world title following Usyk's decision to take some time out.

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