This time, Hearn reveals positive doping test

Former world cruiserweight champion Oleksandr Usyk's heavyweight debut has taken another turn, as his opponent appears to have tested positive for abanned substance. Promoter Eddie Hearn tweeted, "We have been contacted by VADA [the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency] to inform us that there has been an adverse finding in Tyrone Spong’s test. It has been sent to the State of Illinois commission and further information will be released in the morning. We have reserve opponents standing by." ESPN reports that Usyk definitely will not fight Spong this weekend. Spong is 13-0 but was previously a champion kickboxer with 100 fights.

Usyk has not fought since last November. His heavyweight debut was delayed once due to injury. Usyk-Spong is shceduled for October 12th in Chicago. [Critics of Eddie Hearn will note that he did NOT make a public announcement when his boxer, Dillian Whyte, had an adverse finding. Whyte was cleared to fight anyway by the British Board of Boxing Control and defeated Oscar Rivas].