Boxer Dillian Whyte banned for two years
UK Anti-Doping has today confirmed that professional boxer Dillian Whyte has been suspended from all competition for two years following an anti-doping rule violation.
Mr Whyte tested positive for methylhexaneamine (MHA) following an in-competition test on 13 October 2012 and was provisionally suspended from all competition from 5 November 2012. An independent National Anti-Doping Panel found that this case warranted a two-year ban. Mr Whyte appealed, and the appeal panel confirmed the two-year ban.
In its first instance decision, the National Anti-Doping Panel found that Mr Whyte failed to seek professional or medical advice before using the supplement Jack3D, which he had bought over the counter from a nutritional supplement shop. Consequently they stated that he had “failed to discharge the burden of establishing that he was not significantly at fault” and therefore could not reduce his sanction from two years. The appeal panel agreed with this decision, stressing that the case emphasises “the dangers of athletes taking supplements which contain MHA”.
UK Anti-Doping Director of Communications and Education Nicola Newman said: “In August 2012, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency ruled that products containing methylhexaneamine needed to be removed from the UK market. The fact that Mr Whyte purchased a product containing this ingredient after that date should remind all athletes that they need to be vigilant when considering supplementing their diet.
“The appeal panel highlights the need for athletes to make appropriate checks before using supplements, including consulting the website www.informed-sport.com.”
Mr Whyte is banned from all competition from 13 October 2012 to 12 October 2014. The result from his bout on 13 October 2012 is also disqualified. The full written decision and appeal decision can be found on the UK Anti-Doping website at www.ukad.org.uk/violations/
