09 August 2023 , 12:02
808
0
Anthony Joshua hailed the efforts of Eddie Hearn and Matchroom after learning that his planned fight with Dillian Whyte had been cancelled due to a failed drugs test.
Joshua is due to return to the ring for the first time since beating Jermaine Franklin in April. He beat Whyte back in 2015 and the 35-year-old had continued to push for a rematch, but has lost that opportunity after failing a pre-fight drugs test, leaving Hearn to find a new opponent at short notice.
The promoter has been successful in doing so and Joshua will get into the ring to take on Robert Helenius. The Watford-born fighter, who has been with Matchroom throughout his professional career, was keen to acknowledge their efforts in the immediate aftermath of the devastating news.
Hearn recalled a text message he received from Joshua to Boxing Social : “Great Morning. I can only imagine the time and effort you and your team have put into organising a fight night. Just to say sorry about the news. Thank you for all you and Matchroom do for me, it’s appreciated and I never take it for granted.”
Helenius has won 32 of his 36 bouts with two of his four losses coming against Whyte and Deontay Wilder - who has been touted as a future opponent for Joshua. The Englishman has hailed his opponent's willingness to take the fight and believes "bigger and better things" lay ahead.
Eddie Hearn opens talks for Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou heavyweight fight
He said: "This wasn’t in the script. I respect Helenius and may I say, I respect any male or female who steps into the ring. 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.”
Eddie Hearn has been crucial in Anthony Joshua's career (PA)Whyte meanwhile is looking to recovery from a potentially career ending setback. He hasn't fought in 2023 and rejected any suggestions that he had taken a banned substance. He also called on people not to draw conclusions.
He said: "I am shocked and devastated to learn of a report by VADA of adverse findings relating to me. I only learned of it this morning and am still reacting to it. I have also just seen the fight is being cancelled without having any chance to demonstrate my innocence before the decision was taken.
"I can confirm without a shadow of a doubt that I have not taken the reported substance, in this camp or at any point in my life. I am completely innocent and ask to be given the time to go through the process of proving this without anybody jumping to conclusions or a trial by media."