Saturday’s revelation that Dillian Whyte had failed a VADA test sent the Anthony Joshua roadshow into complete disarray, and promoter Matchroom Boxing needed a quick replacement in order to save the August 12 date at the O2 Arena in London.
Step forward former double-European champion Robert Helenius.
Joshua (25-3, 22 KOs) is coming off a 12-round unanimous decision over American Jermaine Franklin in April. The former two-time heavyweight champion now seeks to dispose of Helenius before hopefully engaging in a long-awaited showdown with Deontay Wilder.
“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 but the road map has a checkpoint, Saturday night. May the best man win.”
Incredibly, Helenius (32-4, 21 KOs) fought on Saturday past, scoring a third-round stoppage over the undistinguished Mika Mielonen. The Finland-born fighter could never have dreamed that just seven days later he would be in against one of the best fighters in the division.
WATCH: Anthony Joshua vs. Robert Helenius, live on DAZN
“I am excited about fighting Anthony Joshua on August 12,” said Helenius. “I am a true Viking that is willing…
