Helenius Will Fight Joshua Following Whyte’s ‘Adverse Finding’
Robert Helenius will replace Dillian Whyte as Anthony Joshua’s next opponent following the ‘Body Snatcher’s’ failed test after VADA confirmed an ‘adverse finding.’
The news was a huge setback, given that there was only a week to find a suitable replacement.
Some of the names that were bandied about included Filip Hrgovic and Derek Chisora.
However, there was naturally a danger that Joshua could come up short if he took an opponent on short notice.
His defeat to Andy Ruiz Jr. demonstrated that, as Joshua lost on his American debut after Jarrell Miller failed numerous drug tests.
However, Halenius may be a sensible choice. The boxer is 39-years-old and entering into the latter parts of his career.
Not only that, but Helenius’ performance at the highest level showed that he fell short. Helenius was stopped in the first round by Deontay Wilder, as the latter made a major statement.
And yet, with everything to play for, both fighters knew they had to be at their best.
Helenius, Joshua And More
“This wasn’t in the script. I am laser focused on the win,” Joshua
“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,” Halenius
“He wants to go out there this Saturday in front of a sold-out O2 and perform. There were a lot of options. But we had to make sure it was the right fight for the right deal.
“I think Robert Helenius is a good fight. Yes, he lost to Deontay Wilder but that was by a shot that would have probably knocked out a horse! But he came to fight.
“He can really punch, he’s 6ft 8in and he won at the weekend. Ultimately there is criticism in whatever you do, but I actually think this is a tricky and dangerous fight,” Hearn
The pressure will be on Joshua to perform, which is why he cannot overlook Helenius. You can stay up-to-date with the latest happenings in the world of boxing by visiting boxingblitz right here.
