Anthony Joshua WILL fight this Saturday after Robert Helenius was confirmed as his new opponent
The former world champion’s attempt to return to the top of heavyweight boxing fell through over the weekend after Whyte’s anti-doping test revealed “adverse results”.
Whyte, 35, has denied any wrongdoing after shock news of his failed test broke over the weekend.
Finnish fighter Helenius, 39, lost in his biggest fight to date in a round of 16 match to Deontay Wilder last year. He has a record of 36-4.
After the Helenius confirmation, Joshua admitted: “It wasn’t in the script.
“I respect Helenius and may I say I respect every man and woman who steps into the ring. I’m totally focused on winning. I can take steps toward bigger and better things, but the roadmap has a checkpoint, Saturday night. May the best man win.”
Joshua, 33, last fought in April when he defeated Jermaine Franklin in the O2, recovering from consecutive losses to Oleksandr Usyk.
Following their rivalry on the amateur scene, a rematch with Whyte was on the cards before AJ won the 2015 British Heavyweight title in the seventh round.
After news of his failed test broke, Whyte said: “I am shocked and devastated to learn of a report from VADA of negative results relating to me.” I only found out about it this morning and am still responding on it.
“But I also just saw that the fight is cancelled. This is without a chance to prove my innocence before the decision.
“I can confirm without a shadow of a doubt that I did not ingest the reported substance at this camp or at any time in my life. I am completely innocent.”
https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/boxing/joshua-helenius-confirmed-whyte-b1099310.html Anthony Joshua WILL fight this Saturday after Robert Helenius was confirmed as his new opponent
