Anthony Joshua’s quiet dinner outing in Dubai alongside promoter Eddie Hearn was dramatically interrupted when drug-test officers arrived at the restaurant and demanded an immediate sample from the British heavyweight star.
Eyewitnesses reported that officials approached Joshua mid-meal, insisting he comply with testing protocols in line with international anti-doping regulations. The two-time world champion calmly obliged, stepping away to provide the required sample before later rejoining Hearn at the table.
Hearn later joked about the incident, highlighting the surreal nature of being pulled over for a drug test while dining out: “Most tested fighter of all time. Hasn’t boxed for a year. Out for dinner in Dubai and UKAD rock up.”
Joshua, smiling into the camera, flexed and joked: “Ed, they must have seen my chin-ups.”
The British Boxing Board of Control and UKAD have the authority to test athletes anywhere in the world at any time. Boxers risk suspension if they fail to comply with the requirement to disclose their location in advance.
Joshua, who has long advocated for strict testing in boxing, took the disruption in stride, reinforcing his stance that fighters must always be ready for random checks—no matter the time or place.
The incident comes as Joshua continues his recovery from elbow surgery earlier this year, which delayed his long-anticipated return to the ring. Speculation is already mounting about his next major bout, with potential blockbuster fights on the horizon.
