Purse bids for Helenius to rematch Chisora in defence of his belt were due to be submitted on Thursday, although promoter Kalle Sauerland has confirmed that the Finn has dropped out of the fight.
That means Chisora is set to face the next in line for the vacant championship, which at the present time is British and Commonwealth belt holder, Joshua.
“It’s official! Helenius has backed out of the fight against Chisora. He has given up his European Championship,” stated Sauerland.
Prior to that, Helenius had taken to social media to proclaim that he would knock Chisora out if they ever met again before Sauerland said tongue-in-cheek that ‘Del Boy’ could now face Wladimir Klitschko.
Helenius’ abandoning a return with Chisora has been ratified since Sauerland’s original
As it stands, Chisora v ‘AJ’ could conceivably be the next port of call for both fighters and be negotiated with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing for Joshua’s next big fight card at the O2 Arena on April 9.
Helenius may turn his attention to pursuing an IBF title opportunity against new champion Charles Martin as all the other title belts are currently tied up with Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury having alternative obligations.
