Anthony Joshua faces off with Robert Helenius after Dillian Whyte withdrawal
Anthony Joshua and Robert Helenius sized each other up for the first time ahead of their short-notice fight on Saturday night.
Joshua was scheduled to rematch domestic rival Dillian Whyte at The O2 arena in London almost eight years on from their first meeting, but the fight was cancelled last weekend when a pre-fight drug test from Whyte returned “adverse analytical findings”. Helenius stepped up on a week’s notice to face ‘AJ’ to rescue the event, which has now been taken off DAZN pay-per-view, meaning existing subscribers to the sports service can watch it for no additional cost. Alternatively, fans can start their subscription to DAZN here.
Helenius was in action on the same day news broke of Whyte’s drug test failure as he fought at a 15th century medieval castle in his home country of Finland. Joshua gave a selfless take by admitting that he didn’t want to turn down a short-notice fight against Helenius after Whyte’s withdrawal for the sake of those around him.
Anthony Joshua and Robert Helenius face-off before their fight (Matchroom Boxing via Getty Image)Who wins on Saturday - Anthony Joshua vs Robert Helenius? Let us know your prediction in the comments section below
"I know how much it means for everyone on the undercard to compete, I know how hard the backroom staff work too so I didn't want to let anyone down. It's kind of like a responsibility, late replacement aren't ideal and this is about the third time it's happened. A long career will present these types of obstacles and I've just got to get used to them. This is just another rock in my shoe towards the top of the mountain," Joshua said.
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“The principle still remains the same, its worry about myself. We’ve sparred years ago but I’ve been against so many styles and the objective is always victory by any means. There is no overtime in boxing so I’ve got to be on my A-game and inflict pain to get the victory."
Helenius’ recent win against Mika Mielonen was his first since being brutally knocked out by Deontay Wilder in the first round last October. ‘The Nordic Nightmare’ surprised boxing fans by handing Adam Kownacki his first-ever defeat, later beating him again in their rematch, but he faces a big step-up in competition against former two-time heavyweight titleholder Joshua.
"This fight offer came to me five minutes after my fight last Saturday," Helenius said. "I was supposed to go on vacation but not anymore! I'm ready to fight, that's why I'm here. Otherwise I wouldn't be here. I have been chasing the world championship for 15 years and when you get an opportunity like this you can't let it slip. I will give everything in my power to win this fight."
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