Heavyweight boxing contender Dillian Whyte's career is officially back on track, after confirmation the World Boxing Council (WBC) has reinstated the Briton.
Whyte, who is the mandatory challenger to American Deontay Wilder, was suspended earlier this year, after a UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) test found 'adverse findings'.
This came just days after Whyte defeated Chilean Oscar Rivas to earn the WBC interim championship, and a guaranteed shot at either Wilder or Tyson Fury, whom the American fights in February.
But after a several-month investigation, UKAD cleared 'The Body Snatcher' last week, just in time for Whyte to fight and beat Mariusz Wach in Saudi Arabia on Sunday (NZ time).
With WBC following suit, Whyte is likely to fight for their world title midway through 2020.
"Based on a limited, but detailed investigation and after collecting information, including the WBC's consultation with two independent experts, [the WBC] concluded that there was insufficient evidence that Mr Whyte intentionally ingested a prohibited substance in order to improve his performance," a statement read.
"In light of the WBC's own finding and the withdrawal of UKAD charges against Mr Whyte, the WBC has closed its internal investigation.
"The WBC lifts its provisional suspension and confirms Mr Whyte's recognition as WBC interim world champion.
"Interim champion Whyte will become the mandatory challenger of the division immediately after the mandatory defence of champion Deontay Wilder against the current one mandatory challenger Tyson Fury.
"The mandatory defence against Whyte must be carried out before February 2021."
With mandatory title defences set to be ordered by three of boxing's four big entities, a unified champion appears a long way off.
New WBO, IBF and WBA champion Anthony Joshua has stated an intention to honour his obligations and defend against Kubrat Pulev (IBF) and Oleksandr Usyk (WBO) in 2020, while the winner of Wilder and Fury will likely fight Whyte in the same period.
While keen to unify, and give the fans a dream match-up against Wilder or Fury, Joshua's focus is on his mandatory requirements.
"I'm ready," Joshua told Sky Sports UK. "I've got my belts back and I'm ready to fight him [Wilder].
"But I'm not looking too far into the future, because it takes your eyes off what is front of you. I take it step by step and by the time I get to unification, I will be ready.
"I'll knock them down one by one and when the big boys are ready, I'll be ready to become the next undisputed champion of the world."
