Former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua will face “The Nordic Nightmare’ Robert Helenius in a 12-round main event at The O2 in London this Saturday, shown exclusively live worldwide on DAZN. This follows the news 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 cancelled with a full investigation underway.
Anthony Joshua: “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.”
Robert Helenius: “I am excited about fighting Anthony Joshua on August 12. I am a true Viking that is 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!”
Promoter Eddie Hearn: “To get the news on Saturday was really disappointing, not only for us but for Anthony Joshua and for the fans. But we got to work and we have done what we’re good at – and we have managed to keep the show on. AJ has been unbelievable throughout this whole process. He is someone who is ready to fight having trained for 12 weeks in Dallas with Derrick James. He has always been a great pro but this just shows me again the hunger he has for the sport. He wants to go out there this Saturday in front of a sold-out crowd at The O2 and perform.
“There were a lot of options. But we had to make sure it was the right fight for the right deal. I think Robert Helenius is a good fight. Yes, he lost to Deontay Wilder but that was by a shot that would have probably knocked out a horse! But he came to fight. He can really punch, he’s 6’8 and he won at the weekend. Ultimately there is criticism in whatever you do, but I actually think this is a tricky and dangerous fight.”
Saturday’s sold-out event will now be available to watch worldwide on DAZN via the usual subscription service. UK fans will be able to claim a refund directly for any pay-per-view pre-orders they had made via DAZN.
On a huge night of heavyweight action in London, IBF mandatory world title challenger Filip Hrgovic (15-0, 12 KOs) clashes with undefeated contender Demsey McKean (22-0, 14 KOs) for a shot unified WBA/IBF/WBO world champion Oleksandr Usyk, two-time world title challenger Derek Chisora (33-12, 23 KOs) takes on Gerald Washington (20-5-1, 13 KOs) over ten rounds and Johnny Fisher (9-0, 8 KOs) faces off with Torquay’s Harry Armstrong (5-1-1).
Well good for Helenius! Just had the Wilder fight and now this, I’m sure he’s being paid incredibly well and he hasn’t anything to lose here, so maybe he’ll come out bombing after AJ. Could be interesting for as long as it lasts.
This is awesome!! Helenius just fought last weekend and now he’s fighting AJ! Hell yeah, I hope he wins!!
Me too!
Surprised that did not gp with Chisora…but maybe they would want more time to promote an all UK showdown like that.
Both are dangerous on short notice ..moreso Chisora…but…Helenius is serviceable while giving AJ quality rounds…
Yeah, I would have thought they would’ve taken Chisora. SURELY that man was interested and, before Wilder, the last man to beat Helenius was Washington. They said he was interested as well.
2 fights in 2 consecutive weekends (for Hellenius) , wonder when that last happened for a heavyweight perrenial contender?
Should be interesting while it lasts.
Depends which Helenius turns up, but could be a decent fight if the right Helenius turns up?
Then we finally get the answer to whether current #3 on Boxrec Anthony Joshua will cause bigger problems for Robert Helenius than #426 ranked Mika Mielonen.
A suitable opponent to AJ, this fight should be a mere pre-requisite for AJ to a self evaluation, confidence gainer, and bigger fights in the near future.
Wow, didn’t Helenius fight like yesterday?! I hope he wins. Guy will fight anyone anytime anywhere
Hopefully Helenius learned the lesson and fight more intelligent, because he has a chance
“This wasn’t in the script. I respect Helenius and may I say, I respect any male or female who steps into the ring.
That said AJ will lose this one.
I like this fight! This is a good fight for Joshua to see where he stands.
or falls…
Worthy step in. Also, maybe Helenius’ best and last shot at making something of his career.
If Helenius was smart he would go in there not being afraid but I think he will go in tentative, throw some pawing shots for a few rounds and then get dropped Golota style with his bug eyes and gets counted out.
I expect AJ to be in the shape of his life training with Coach James team. Helenius is solid but considered a warm body at the higher levels. The “hope” is what keeps you guys optimistic.
After James’ last big fight, who knows?
Hellenius is actually a cold body at the higher levels, if you know what I mean. I also picked up on the racial jab you made. Besides, we don’t need to have a hope in the heavyweight division since we own it now. Fury, Usyk ring a bell?
Helenius has the size and reach and good enough power to be a problem for Joshua, Kownacki found that out twice as have other opponents. Helenius needs to just get through the first couple of rounds and not get caught cold like he was by Wilder, who unskilled as he may be, always has that once punch ko chance.
What do you know about skills??????
I’ve been a Wilder fan for years, always liked his explosive power even weighing much less than his opponents. But I do know he is not a skilled boxer just like any fan who half knows boxing would know. You sound just like a typical idiot Troll.
Nah, Wilder has some skills.
Outside of England, to your average boxing fan, it doesn’t make one bit of difference if Joshua is fighting Helenius or Whyte. In fact, you’re average fan wouldn’t even notice. It wouldn’t even be necessary to announce that he’s a replacement. Once the bell rings, some may question “hey, I thought Joshua was supposed to be fighting a black guy?”
yeech…he was starched by Wilder in 1. His great claim to fame is beating fat fuck dummy twice. Hopefully he will end the Joshua piffle pop and get lucky…gross…hate this kind of “boxing” more than women’s boxing…dear gawd..
NO Surprise.
Perfect for AJ
As for Joshua vs Helenius. eh is my response.
I guess this means Andy Ruiz has to get his scary ass back in the mix with Wilder. Ruiz was trying his best to avoid Wilder by calling out AJ on his social media as soon as he saw AJ needed an opponent. Now I know Ruiz is holding up the Wilder fight.
Helenius can win this. He needs to come in there and not wait around. He needs to throw them bombs that he got famous for!! To rattle AJ early and don’t let up. To get in AJ’s weak mind and shatter that confidence. Use his height and reach to his advantage. Go helenius!!!
It would make for a nice story, but Helenius has zero chance of winning this fight. If he’s lucky, he’ll make it beyond the 3rd round.
Oh well, as long as its not those burnt out tomato can bums whyte or chisora, helenius at least has an opportunity to pull a miracle on weak chin joshua! At least he’ll make a nice check!
Are they trying to get Helenius killed? This guy can’t keep getting shots like this, or taking shots like he does. It’s good to see the Croatian wrecking machine Hrgovic back in the ring, and he should dispatch of McKean in about 6 rounds.
Is there even a top 10 anymore? These big dogs all keep fighting the same bums