In a shocking turn of events, Finnish heavyweight boxer Robert Helenius has been revealed to have failed a drug test before his bout against Anthony Joshua. Matchroom Boxing, the promoter of the fight, confirmed this distressing news through a statement released on various social media platforms.
The revelation adds another layer of complexity to the fight, as it follows the withdrawal of Joshua’s original opponent, Dillian Whyte, due to his own failed drugs test.
Matchroom Boxing’s statement explained that Robert Helenius, aged 39, had returned an “adverse analytical finding” during a random anti-doping test conducted by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA). The test was administered on Friday, 11 August, just ahead of the heavyweight clash that took place in London on Saturday, 12 August.
The result of the test was communicated to Matchroom Boxing today, and the statement conveyed the promoter’s adherence to the protocols set by regulatory authorities. The statement emphasized their ongoing commitment to supporting voluntary anti-doping testing and their dedication to maintaining a clean and fair sporting environment.
As a result of the adverse finding, the future of Robert Helenius in the sport is uncertain, pending further action by the relevant regulatory bodies. Matchroom Boxing refrained from providing additional commentary on the matter, leaving it to the authorities to determine the appropriate course of action.
The match itself saw Helenius facing Anthony Joshua in the ring. Despite displaying resilience and determination, Helenius ultimately fell to Joshua’s power, succumbing to a brutal knockout punch in the seventh round. Joshua, aged 33, secured the victory, although his performance faced criticism from some quarters for its labored nature, resulting in a round of boos from the audience.
Robert Helenius was a last-minute replacement for Dillian Whyte, who was initially set to square off against Joshua. Whyte’s failure of a drug test led to his withdrawal from the fight, creating a ripple effect of changes in the lineup.
Anthony Joshua, appreciating the circumstances, hailed Helenius after the fight, acknowledging his role in “saving the show.” With the aftermath of the Helenius situation still unfolding, Joshua’s focus might soon shift to a potential clash with Deontay Wilder in January. Negotiations for the fight are underway, and if an agreement is reached, the match is slated to take place in Saudi Arabia.