Anthony Joshua will fight Robert Helenius at London’s O2 Arena on Saturday night after the Finnish boxer was confirmed as Dillian Whyte’s replacement.
Joshua was set to face fellow British heavyweight Whyte, but the bout had to be cancelled last weekend after “adverse analytical findings” were detected in a doping test conducted by Whyte, who has vowed to clear his name.
It left Matchroom in a race against time to find a new opponent but, 72 hours after Whyte’s failed test was made public, 39-year-old Helenius has answered the SOS from the promotion company despite having fought in Finland last weekend.
Former two-time world heavyweight champion Joshua said: “This wasn’t in the script.
𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐅𝐈𝐑𝐌𝐄𝐃: @anthonyjoshua will now fight The Nordic Nightmare Robert Helenius this Saturday at The O2!
The full undercard takes place as originally planned...
Don't miss all the action live on @DAZNBoxing 👊#JoshuaHelenius pic.twitter.com/MgvQkc3bl9Advertisement— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) August 8, 2023
“I respect Helenius and, may I say, I respect any male or female who steps into the ring.
“I am laser-focused on the win. I can make steps forward to bigger and better things but the road map has a check point – Saturday night. May the best man win.”
Helenius said: “I am excited about fighting Anthony Joshua on August 12.
“I am a true Viking that is willing to face any challenge at a moment’s notice. This is not an opportunity I was going to let slip away. I plan to make the most of it!”
