Anthony Joshua has cherry-picked a heavyweight rival Deontay Wilder smashed in 177 seconds, for a replacement contest following the Dillian Whyte scandal.
AJ will face the hapless Robert Helenius in a twelve-round main event at The O2 in London on Saturday night, seven days after Whyte was thrown out of the clash.
Whyte tested positive for a banned substance for the third time in his career. The Londoner subsequently faces a fight to save his career.
Having to scramble around for a new opponent, Joshua chose Helenius. The Finn ironically fought on the same day the positive test news was revealed. Furthermore, it was almost as if Helenius was placed on standby. Who knows?
We do know that Joshua has now placed massive pressure on himself to get rid of Helenius early. Wilder made mincemeat of Helenius last October, and as previously mentioned, “The Nordic Nightmare” hadn’t fought since until a six-rounder last weekend.
Due to the opponent, Joshua and his promoter Eddie Hearn have been forced to eat humble pie. They have taken the event, which many Brits stated wasn’t worth Pay Per View in the first place, off the paid platform.
Anthony Joshua to fight Robert Helenius
Joshua vs Helenius will now be shown exclusively live worldwide on DAZN – with fans now able to view it as part of their regular subscription.
The whole scenario follows the news that the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) informed Matchroom, the Association of Boxing Commissions, and the British Boxing Board of Control that Joshua’s original opponent Dillian Whyte had returned adverse analytical findings as part of a random anti-doping protocol.
As a result, their fight was immediately canceled, with a full investigation underway.
To his credit, though, Joshua seems unfazed by the furor.
“This wasn’t in the script,” said Joshua. “But I respect Helenius. I respect any male or female who steps into the ring.
“I am laser-focused on the win. With a win, I can advance to bigger and better things, but the road map has a checkpoint Saturday night. May the best man win.”
Joshua has to KO Helenius early, like Deontay Wilder
Helenius talks a good game, but he has to fall early if Joshua is to gain any kudos for avoiding the fans’ choice of Filip Hrgovic.
“I am excited about fighting Anthony Joshua on August 12,” said Helenius. “I am a true Viking 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!”
In addition, Saturday’s sold-out event will now be available to watch worldwide on DAZN via the usual subscription service. Fans can claim a refund directly for any pay-per-view pre-orders they have made via DAZN.
Phil Jay is an experienced boxing news writer.
