2023-08-08 17:08:33
LONDON (AP) — Anthony Joshua will face Robert Helenius, a 39-year-old opponent, at London’s O2 Arena on Saturday after the Finn was confirmed as Dillian Whyte’s replacement.
Joshua was due to face his compatriot Whyte, but the heavyweight bout was canceled last weekend after Whyte returned “adverse results” in a drug test. Whyte said he was “shocked and devastated” by the test results.
Promoter Matchroom had to race against time to find a new rival. But, 72 hours after Whyte’s botched hold was revealed, Helenius agreed to step into the ring despite the fact that he only fought in Finland last weekend.
“It wasn’t in the script. I respect Helenius and, I would say, I respect every man or woman who steps into a ring,” Joshua said Tuesday.
“I am fully focused to take me to victory. May the best man win,” added the two-time heavyweight champion.
Born in Stockholm, Helenius (32-4, 21 KOs) is no stranger to British boxing. He defeated Derek Chisora by a controversial split decision to claim the vacant European title in 2011.
Helenius fights in an orthodox style and lost on points to Whyte six years later in Cardiff after accepting the fight on two weeks’ notice.
It will be Helenius’ 37th fight, but he has contested just three bouts since the coronavirus pandemic in 2020.
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