ANTHONY JOSHUA has a new opponent in Robert Helenius for his fight this weekend at the O2 Arena.
AJ was originally scheduled to face Dillian Whyte on Saturday night but the fight was cancelled after the Body Snatcher failed a drugs test.
Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn has been scrambling since to find an opponent to replace Whyte.
Heavyweight fighters Filip Hrgovic, Derek Chisora, Demsey McKean and Gerald Washington, who are all fighting on the same card, were all considered.
But Helenius, who was fought both Whyte and Chisora before too, was eventually chosen.
Helenius was knocked out by Deontay Wilder last year in just one round but bounced back with a win just last weekend.
Boxing
Why is Anthony Joshua vs Dillian Whyte 2 cancelled?
Dillian Whyte FAILS drug test with huge Anthony Joshua fight AXED as a result
The Finnish veteran stopped his opponent in three rounds in what was his first win since his victory over Adam Kownacki on the Tyson Fury vs Deontay Wilder 3 undercard.
Joshua is coming off an uninspiring points win over Jermaine Franklin in April, but he'll be hoping he can get a KO win here.
Joshua hasn't won by knockout since his 9th-round destruction of Kubrat Pulev in December 2020, before he lost two title bouts with Oleksandr Usyk.
Providing Joshua beats Helenius, he's all set to face Wilder in a clash that will likely take place in Saudi Arabia in 2024.
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4When is Joshua vs Helenius?
- Joshua's clash with Helenius will take place on Saturday, August 12.
- The fight will be held at the O2 Arena in London.
- The main card is set to start at 7pm BST.
- Ring-walks for the main event will likely get underway from around 10.30pm BST.
Why was the Dillian Whyte fight cancelled?
Joshua vs Whyte won't be happening because Whyte has failed a drugs test.
Matchroom released a statement which read: "Today, the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) informed Matchroom, the Association of Boxing Commissions and the British Boxing Board of Control that Dillian Whyte had returned adverse analytical findings as part of a random anti-doping protocol.
"In light of this news, the fight will be cancelled, and a full investigation will be conducted. Further information on the event will follow."
SunSport understands TWO failed tests came back from Vada.
How can I watch Joshua vs Helenius?
- Joshua vs Helenius will be shown on DAZN in the UK.
- AJ's fight with Whyte was originally going to be shown on DAZN PPV, but the decision has been made to make the Helenius fight part of your standard subscription.
- DAZN offer a monthly subscription for £9.99 which commits you to an entire year of action.
- Or, fans can pay an upfront fee of £99.99 and that will cover you for the whole year – plus it is the lowest cost option.
- Alternatively, there is a flexible pass worth £19.99 a month which can be canceled at any time.
- The event is available to live stream via your mobile or any tablet device where the DAZN app can be downloaded.
- Sky will also have fight coverage through channel 429 – the DAZN channel.
Joshua vs Helenius full card
- Anthony Joshua vs Robert Helenius
- Derek Chisora vs Gerald Washington
- Filip Hrgovic vs. Demsey McKean
- Johnny Fisher vs. Harry Armstrong
- George Liddard vs. Radek Rousal
- Maisey Rose Courtney vs. Gemma Ruegg
- Campbell Hatton vs. Tom Ansell
What has been said?
“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 check point, Saturday night. May the best man win.”
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“I am excited about fighting Anthony Joshua on August 12,” said Helenius.
“I am a true Viking that is willing to face any challenge at a moments notice. This is not an opportunity I was going to let slip away. I plan to make the most of it!”
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