Robert Helenius sends message to Anthony Joshua after failing drug test

26 August 2023 , 18:21

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Anthony Joshua knocked out Robert Helenius in the seventh round of their fight

Robert Helenius has told Anthony Joshua he is no cheat after testing positive for a banned substance.

Helenius, who was knocked out in the seventh round by Joshua earlier this month, stepped in at a week's notice to replace Dillian Whyte who himself had returned an adverse finding. But Joshua's promoter Matchroom announced yesterday that the Finn had failed a test taken 24 hours before the fight.

But Helenius has taken to social media to insist he is innocent, writing: "I want to say something very clear in my own words right now with absolutely no exception. I did not use any performance enhancement now or ever. I have been tested my entire career.

"I was just told that I tested positive for the presence of a non-steroid substance in my system and 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 the BBBofC (British Boxing Board of Control) to do whatever it takes to clear my name."

In a statement released on Friday, Joshua's promoter Matchroom said: "Today, the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) hos Informed Matchroom and the British Boxing Board of Control that Robert Helenius has returned an adverse analytical finding as port of a random anti-doping protocol. Helenlus was voluntarily tested on Friday, August 11 before the heavyweight fighter's defeat by Anthony Joshua in London on Saturday, August 12.

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"The result was made known to Matchroom today. Matchroom defers to the relevant regulatory authorities on next steps. We vehemently continue to support voluntary anti-doping testing. We are committed to promoting a clean and fair sport for all athletes. We will not be making any further comment."

Joshua laboured during the opening six rounds of the fight before landing a spectacular knockout to set up a clash with Deontay Wider, who also holds a win over Helenius. Joshua had been scheduled to fight British rival Whyte at the O2 Arena on August 12 before the latter returned an adverse finding from a doping test. Whyte later said he was “shocked and devastated” to learn of VADA’s findings and intended to prove his innocence.

Martin Domin