Anthony Joshua takes drastic measures to prevent reputation being ruined.

In a recent statement, boxing promoter Eddie Hearn emphasized the stringent measures taken to ensure that any bottled substance consumed by Anthony Joshua is thoroughly tested. This initiative is part of a broader effort to protect Joshua, a two-time world heavyweight champion, from inadvertently ingesting banned substances through covert means.

As Anthony Joshua prepares to vie for his third world heavyweight title on September 21, facing Daniel Dubois for the IBF belt at Wembley Stadium, Hearn is taking no chances. The bout marks a significant moment for Joshua, as it is nearly three years since he lost his WBO, WBA, IBO, and IBF titles to Oleksandr Usyk. Joshua’s return to the world title stage is also notable as it follows two years since his last world title fight, a rematch loss to the Ukrainian.

Eddie Hearn has highlighted the importance of ensuring that Joshua’s preparations remain free from any contamination. With recent years marred by doping scandals involving prominent boxers, including two of Joshua’s opponents, maintaining the integrity of Joshua’s career is crucial. This includes the controversy surrounding Joshua’s fight with Robert Helenius, which was a result of Dillian Whyte’s failed drugs test. Despite Whyte being cleared later due to a contaminated substance, the incident underscores the complexities involved in ensuring fair competition.

Hearn, who has been a key figure in Joshua’s career, expressed concern over the potential for contamination. He noted that 20% of failed drug tests are often due to fighters unknowingly consuming banned substances, while the remaining 80% might involve deliberate cheating. To mitigate these risks, Hearn’s approach involves testing every bottle that comes into Joshua’s vicinity.

“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. And imagine, everything that you built, all because of one evil individual, comes crumbling down.”

Hearn’s vigilance extends to all aspects of Joshua’s professional environment. He explained that even after a tough fight, there are risks of someone offering a drink that could be tampered with. Therefore, every bottle that comes near Joshua is tested and sealed to prevent any potential sabotage.

The commitment to testing every bottle and maintaining a high level of scrutiny reflects Hearn’s dedication to protecting Joshua’s career and reputation. In the world of elite boxing, where even the slightest lapse can lead to significant consequences, ensuring the purity of every substance consumed is essential.

“I’m paranoid in that world because I know what people are like,” Hearn admitted. His proactive stance serves as a reminder of the challenges athletes face in maintaining their careers amidst a landscape where doping scandals and contamination risks are prevalent.

Eddie Hearn’s meticulous approach to safeguarding Anthony Joshua from potential doping threats underscores the importance of integrity in professional sports. As Joshua prepares for his upcoming bout, Hearn’s rigorous testing procedures demonstrate a commitment to ensuring that the heavyweight champion’s career remains unblemished by any unfair practices.

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