Anthony Joshua vs late replacements, Carlos Takam and Andy Ruiz fights revisited

For former two-time heavyweight champ Anthony Joshua, the drama began a week earlier than expected. On Saturday, it was announced that his opponent Dillian Whyte failed a VADA test and had been pulled from their all-British rematch, which was scheduled to take place at the O2 Arena in London on August 12.

It was the stuff of nightmares for Team Joshua, who is now on a clock to find a suitable opponent at less than seven days’ notice.

MORE: Why was Joshua vs. Whyte 2 cancelled?

The reality of securing a late replacement benefits no one with the exception of the replacement who receives an unexpected payday. For the fighter that needs an opponent, as well as the undercard players, it’s a stressful time. For broadcasters and promoters, there’s the possibility of a big financial loss. For fans, they often end up with a fight that they didn’t sign up for.

A professional for over a decade, Joshua has been here before and has had mixed results against replacement opposition. The Sporting News takes a deep dive into why the ex-champ finds himself in this position and looks back at prior incidents:

Why does Anthony Joshua need a new opponent?

Late Saturday morning, Matchroom Boxing distributed a press release that sent shockwaves through British boxing.

The statement read: "Today, the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) informed Matchroom, the Association of Boxing Commissions, and the British Boxing Board of Control that Dillian Whyte had returned adverse analytical findings as part of a random anti-doping protocol.

"In light of this news, the fight will be cancelled, and a full investigation will be conducted."

According to sources of boxing writer Dan Rafael, Whyte has "failed multiple VADA tests."

Has Anthony Joshua fought a late replacement before?

In October 2017, Joshua was scheduled to face Kubrat Pulev at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.

However, with less than two weeks until fight time, the Bulgarian fighter withdrew due to a shoulder injury that he sustained in sparring. Promoter Matchroom quickly regrouped and drafted in veteran Carlos Takam for the same date and venue.

Joshua would defeat Takam via 10th-round TKO.

In April 2019, it emerged that Jarrell "Big Baby" Miller tested positive for a variety of performance-enhancing drugs and that a June 1 date with Joshua was off.

To save the date, "AJ", who was scheduled to make his U.S. debut at Madison Square Garden in New York, was quickly matched against former world title challenger Andy Ruiz.

Nobody gave Ruiz a chance, but the rotund Mexican American got off the canvas to floor the then-unified champ three times en route to a stunning seventh-round stoppage. Six months later, Joshua avenged the loss on points in the Middle East.

What are the downsides of having a late replacement opponent?

For the most part, during training camp, a fighter will prepare for a specific opponent and a specific style. When that opponent is switched, prior preparation becomes redundant and that’s a big inconvenience. While the replacement opponent is in the same position, they’ve inherited the opportunity by default and have very little to lose.

Also, when a big-name fighter goes against a late replacement who is being given next to no chance of victory, lack of motivation can become a big factor.