Dillian Whyte’s latest failed drugs test put a damper on Anthony Joshua‘s fight night plans for August 12. Despite that, the show must go on, so Matchroom Boxing sourced an opponent for the former two-time unified champion on one week’s notice — Robert Helenius.
Joshua vs. Helenius takes place at the O2 Arena in London. The 12-round bout, plus undercard action, will air on DAZN worldwide (not PPV in the U.K. as initially intended).
A 2012 Olympic gold medalist, Joshua beat Charles Martin in 2016 for the IBF heavyweight title. It was his first taste of world title gold but not his last. “AJ” beat Wladimir Klitschko for the vacant WBA belt and Joseph Parker for the WBO title.
The 33-year-old boxer-puncher has gone 3-2 in his last five contests, losing and then regaining championship status in two bouts against Andy Ruiz Jr. before being dethroned by Oleksandr Usyk.
Joshua rebounded with a points win over Jermaine Franklin in April and must get past Helenius to keep his big-fight plans intact.
WATCH: Anthony Joshua vs. Robert Helenius, live on DAZN
“This wasn’t in the script,” said Joshua. “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,…
