Robert Helenius Given Two-Year Ban For Failed Drug Test After Anthony Joshua Fight
Finnish heavyweight Robert Helenius has been handed a two-year suspension from boxing after failing a drug test following his bout against Anthony Joshua last August.
Helenius (32-5-0 21 KO) tested positive for clomifene, a female fertility drug that can be used to boost testosterone levels in men, during post-fight testing conducted by UK Anti-Doping (UKAD).
‘The Nordic Nightmare’ was given a provisional ban as the investigation got underway, but has now had his punishment ratified. Helenius, 40, denied intentionally doping and has maintained his innocence since last August, claiming the positive test was a result of contaminated eggs and chicken. UKAD, however, said Helenius provided no evidence to support his claims.
“Finnish Professional Boxer Robert Helenius has been banned from all World Anti-Doping Code-compliant sport for two years, following Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) for the Presence and Use of a Prohibited Substance,” read a statement published by UKAD.
“Mr Helenius was tested by UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) after his bout against Anthony Joshua at the London O2 Arena on 12 August 2023. Analysis of his Sample revealed the Presence of clomifene. Clomifene is a Specified Substance that is prohibited at all times.
“On being notified of the ADRVs, Mr Helenius stated that the clomifene detected in his urine Sample must have originated from his consumption of eggs and chicken meat.
“However, following a request by UKAD, Mr Helenius was unable to provide any evidence that the eggs and chicken meat he had consumed in advance of the bout originated from hens that had been administered clomifene.
“Mr Helenius was therefore unable to identify the source of clomifene in his Sample and therefore unable to reduce the applicable period of ineligibility of two years.”
The ban has been backdated to the start of his provisional suspension, so Helenius will be eligible to return to boxing in September 2025.
Helenius was a late replacement to face Joshua at the O2 Arena in London after original opponent Dillian Whyte, somewhat ironically, was forced to withdraw after returning an adverse finding in a pre-fight doping sample. Whyte has since been cleared and has returned.
In a one-sided fight, Joshua secured a seventh-round knockout. It was Helenius’ second stoppage defeat in his last three fights having been knocked out in the first round by Deontay Wilder in September 2022.
Following the bout and the positive test, Helenius released a statement on social media insisting that he is a clean fighter, writing: “I want to say something very clear in my own words … I did not use any performance enhancer now or ever. I have been tested my entire career.
“I wanted to send an immediate direct message to Anthony Joshua and boxing fans that I didn’t cheat and never would. I volunteer to work with VADA and BBBofC to do whatever it takes to clear my name.”
Helenius has never fought for a world title but he has collected some respectable titles in his career, including becoming European heavyweight champion in 2015 and the IBF’s intercontinental title in 2018.
Clomifene is the same substance for which British welterweight contender Conor Benn tested positive ahead of his grudge fight against family rival Chris Eubank Jr in October 2022.
Benn has long maintained his innocence and continues to be embroiled in a legal battle with the British Boxing Board of Control, despite the National Anti-Doping Panel lifting his provisional suspension and clearing him to fight again.
