Duke McKenzie Shocking Response to Dillian Whyte’s Failed Drug Test With Disappointment!

At 7:25 PM +07 on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, the boxing world was rocked by a candid and emotional statement from former three-weight world champion Duke McKenzie, who expressed profound disappointment following the news that Dillian Whyte had failed a drug test. The revelation, confirmed earlier today by the UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) agency, has cast a shadow over Whyte’s scheduled bout against Agit Kabayel on September 20, 2025, at Wembley Arena. McKenzie, a respected voice in the sport, took to X to voice his dismay, igniting a firestorm of reactions as the scandal unfolds.

The Failed Drug Test Unveiled

The controversy broke at 2:00 PM +07 when UKAD announced that Whyte, the British heavyweight contender with a record of 31-3, tested positive for a banned substance during a random out-of-competition test on July 25, 2025. The substance, identified as a trace amount of an anabolic steroid, has led to the provisional suspension of Whyte pending a full investigation. This marks the second doping violation for the 37-year-old, who was previously sidelined in 2019 after a positive test for a similar substance, a case he successfully appealed as contaminated meat.

Promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed the cancellation of the Kabayel fight, stating, “We’re devastated for the fans and Agit. Dillian has let us all down again.” The news sent shockwaves through the boxing community, with #WhyteDoping trending on X as fans and fighters weighed in on the implications for Whyte’s career and the sport’s integrity.

McKenzie’s Heartfelt Reaction

Duke McKenzie, a 62-year-old boxing legend with a record of 39-7 and a long career as a broadcaster, responded at 6:45 PM +07 with a lengthy X post. “I’m gutted, absolutely gutted,” McKenzie wrote. “Dillian had the chance to redeem himself, to be a role model, and he’s thrown it away. This isn’t just about him—it’s about the kids who look up to him.” His words carried the weight of a mentor betrayed, reflecting his history of advocating for clean sport after his own career ended in the 1990s.

In a follow-up interview with BBC Sport, McKenzie elaborated, “I’ve known Dillian for years, trained with him early on. To see him fall back into this… it’s disappointing beyond words. He’s talented enough to win clean—why risk it?” His tone oscillated between sorrow and frustration, a stark contrast to the usual measured commentary from the former champion.

The Context of Whyte’s Career

Whyte’s journey has been a rollercoaster of triumphs and controversies. Known for his gritty style and notable wins over Dereck Chisora (twice) and Oscar Rivas, he challenged Tyson Fury for the WBC heavyweight title in 2022, losing via sixth-round knockout. The 2019 doping scandal, which he blamed on a tainted supplement, had already tarnished his reputation, but a string of victories post-return had begun to rebuild his standing. The latest incident, however, threatens to derail his momentum and could lead to a lengthy ban.

The timing is particularly damaging as Whyte was poised for a potential shot at the winner of the upcoming Fury-Usyk rematch. His camp has yet to issue an official statement, but whispers on X suggest he may again cite contamination, a defense met with skepticism given the repeat offense.

Reactions from the Boxing World

The response has been swift and polarized. Agit Kabayel, the affected opponent, tweeted, “No respect for cheaters. I was ready to fight fair.” Fellow heavyweight Derek Chisora called it “a shame,” while fans on X expressed a mix of anger and resignation, with one post reading, “Whyte’s done—third strike and you’re out.” Promoter Frank Warren told Sky Sports, “This hurts the sport. We need stricter controls.”

McKenzie’s disappointment resonated widely, with many citing his credibility as a clean athlete. However, some defended Whyte, arguing the trace amount might reflect unintentional ingestion, a point likely to be central to his defense.

What Lies Ahead?

As of 7:25 PM +07, Whyte faces an uncertain future. UKAD’s investigation could take weeks, with a hearing expected by late August. A second violation typically carries a harsher penalty—potentially a four-year ban—effectively ending his career at 37. The Kabayel fight’s cancellation leaves Wembley without a main event, prompting Hearn to scout replacements.

McKenzie’s public stance may pressure Whyte to address the allegations directly, though his silence so far suggests a legal strategy in play. For now, the boxing world mourns a lost opportunity and braces for the fallout, with McKenzie’s words echoing as a call for accountability in a sport under scrutiny.