Robert Helenius will step in for Dillian Whyte and fight Anthony Joshua on Saturday night at the O2 Arena. Helenius, 39, was one of several heavyweights under consideration from promoters Matchroom after news broke that Whyte had tested positive for a banned substance following at least one VADA test.
Finland’s Helenius, 32-4 (21), fought as recently as Saturday night (August 5) when he knocked out the overmatched Mike Mielonen in three rounds. That was the veteran’s first action since being flattened inside a round by Deontay Wilder last October.
Once a highly regarded contender, Helenius has spent much of the last 10 years in the role of a gatekeeper. He was exceptionally fortunate to outpoint Derek Chisora in 2011 but, more recently, he twice defeated Adam Kownacki (2020-21) to reinvigorate his career before losing to Wilder. Helenius carries a decent dig, he can be awkward, but is surely a long way past his best.
“I am excited about fighting Anthony Joshua on August 12,” said Helenius. “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!”
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