ROBERT HELENIUS has been confirmed to take on Anthony Joshua at the O2 Arena in London.
The Finnish boxing star, known as "The Nordic Nightmare", has stepped in last-minute after Joshua's original opponent was forced to cancel.
Who is Robert Helenius?
Robert Helenius is a Finnish professional boxer.
He was born in Stockholm, Sweden, but moved to Finland when he was a child.
Helenius' father began training him in boxing when he was just five years old.
He went on to win bronze at the 2000 European under-17 championships and the 2001 European Championships.
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The sportsman finished second at the 2006 European Amateur Boxing Championships and then turned professional in 2008.
Helenius won the European Championship title in 2011, an accolade he would win for a second time in 2016.
Other notable wins for Helenius include the IBF Inter-Continental heavyweight belt, which he won in 2018, and the WBA Gold heavyweight title, which he claimed in 2020.
When will Robert Helenius fight Anthony Joshua?
Helenius will take on Joshua on Saturday, August 12, 2023.
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He stepped in last minute to replace Dillain Whyte after the boxer, who had been scheduled to take on rival Joshua, failed a drug test.
Ahead of the bout 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!"
Joshua, meanwhile, said: "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.”
🥊 Anthony Joshua vs Robert Helenius: How to watch, UK start time, live stream details 🥊
What is Robert Helenius' boxing record?
Helenius' boxing record at the time of writing is 32 wins and four losses.
The fighter's first loss came in 2016 when Helenius took on Johann Duhaupas.
He was also defeated by Dillian Whyte in 2017, Gerald Washington in 2019, and Deontay Wilder in 2022.
Prior to taking on Joshua, Helenius' last win was against Mika Mielonen in August 2023.
When did Robert Helenius fight Deontay Wilder?
The Helenius and Wilder bought took place in October 2022.
On the night, Wilder won with a first-round knockout.
The fight marked the first time Wilder had returned to the ring since being KO'd by Tyson Fury 12 months prior.
Who is Robert Helenius' wife?
Robert is married to his wife Sandra Helenius.
Sandra largely keeps out of the spotlight but is often seen supporting her husband at his boxing matches.
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Does Robert Helenius have any children?
Robert and his wife Sandra have three children together.
The family lead a private life and the names of the kids are unknown.
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