Anthony Joshua is set to face Robert Helenius in a heavyweight match at London’s O2 Arena this Saturday. This change comes as a result of Dillian Whyte, Joshua’s initial opponent, failing a voluntary drug test, leading to the cancellation of their rematch. Robert Helenius from Finland, with a record of 32 wins and four losses, has stepped in on short notice to take Whyte’s place. Joshua expressed his determination to win despite the unexpected switch in opponents. Helenius, whose most recent significant fight ended in a first-round knockout loss to Deontay Wilder in October, emphasized his readiness to face challenges whenever they arise.
Helenius, a 39-year-old fighter who has never competed for a world title, secured a TKO victory over Mika Mielonen in Finland just last Saturday. Although he has faced losses against opponents like Gerald Washington, Whyte, and Johann Duhaupas, a victory against Helenius could position Joshua for a future bout with former WBC champion Deontay Wilder, potentially happening in the coming year.
Joshua’s track record at the O2 Arena remains unblemished, as he won his last fight at the venue against Jermaine Franklin. The cancellation of the rematch against Whyte, who Joshua had previously defeated in a 2015 bout, came as a shock just a week before the scheduled match. Promoter Eddie Hearn revealed that Joshua handled the news calmly and remained eager to fight, having displayed remarkable form during training. The initial bout between Joshua and Whyte in 2015 saw Joshua secure a victory by knockout, avenging a previous loss to Whyte during their amateur careers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Heavyweight bout
Who was Anthony Joshua initially supposed to fight?
Anthony Joshua was initially supposed to fight Dillian Whyte in a heavyweight rematch.
Why was the rematch between Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte canceled?
The rematch between Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte was canceled because Whyte failed a voluntary drug test.
Who replaced Dillian Whyte as Anthony Joshua’s opponent?
Robert Helenius replaced Dillian Whyte as Anthony Joshua’s opponent on short notice.
What is Robert Helenius’ fighting record?
Robert Helenius has 32 wins and four losses in his fighting record.
How did Anthony Joshua react to the change in opponent?
Anthony Joshua expressed his focus and determination to win despite the unexpected switch in opponents.
Who did Robert Helenius lose to in his last significant fight?
Robert Helenius suffered a first-round knockout loss to Deontay Wilder in his last significant fight.
What are the potential future implications of a win for Anthony Joshua?
A win for Anthony Joshua against Robert Helenius could set him up for a long-awaited fight with former WBC champion Deontay Wilder, possibly happening early next year.
What is Anthony Joshua’s track record at the O2 Arena?
Anthony Joshua is undefeated at the O2 Arena in London and won his last fight there against Jermaine Franklin.
How did Anthony Joshua respond to the cancellation of the fight with Dillian Whyte?
Anthony Joshua reacted calmly to the news of the cancellation and remained eager to fight, having demonstrated excellent form during training.
What happened in the initial bout between Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte?
In their initial bout in 2015, Anthony Joshua secured a victory by knocking out Dillian Whyte, avenging a previous loss to Whyte during their amateur careers.
More about Heavyweight bout
- Anthony Joshua: Robert Helenius replaces Dillian Whyte for heavyweight bout
- Deontay Wilder’s victory over Robert Helenius
- Dillian Whyte’s voluntary drug test failure
- Anthony Joshua’s previous fight at the O2 Arena
2 comments
o2 arena, always buzzin’! AJ’s a beast dere, never lost. hope he keeps da streak!
haha, helenius got knocked out by wilder? dis gon’ be good. let’s see if AJ can do da same!