On Thursday night, Anthony Joshua’s dinner with promoter Eddie Hearn took an unforeseen turn when representatives from the UK Anti-Doping Agency (UKAD) arrived unannounced to conduct a test.
The heavyweight icon and his promoter were enjoying a meal at a posh restaurant in Dubai, reportedly deliberating Joshua’s upcoming fight, when the officials interrupted their night.
Hearn posted a clip of the moment on social media, humorously captioning it: “Most tested fighter in history. Hasn’t stepped into the ring for a year. Out for dinner in Dubai and UKAD shows up.
”In the video, Hearn is heard saying: “I just want to highlight, unbelievable scenes. UKAD has arrived.”The footage then shifts to Joshua, who beams widely, flexes his bicep, and jokes: “Ed, they must have noticed my chin-ups.”
As the official anti-doping affiliate of the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC), UKAD holds the power to test any licensed boxer anytime. The procedure can involve urine, venous blood, or dried blood spot samples, and fighters must inform when they travel abroad.
Joshua, who has been out of action since facing a knockout loss to Daniel Dubois last September, continues to remain in the testing pool as he gears up for his next match.