Despite the change in circumstances, Anthony Joshua is still set to enter the boxing ring this upcoming Saturday. However, the opponent has changed, with Robert Helenius taking the place of Dillian Whyte to face the British boxer at the O2 Arena in London.
Due to the non-participation of Dillian Whyte, the event lineup has lost its charm a little bit, especially considering it won’t even be available on pay-per-view. Nevertheless, despite the potential financial setback, Anthony Joshua remains committed to proceeding with the originally planned date for his Summer heavyweight clash.
Anthony Joshua vs Robert Helenius bout details
When discussing the specifics of the match between Joshua and Robert, AJ’s promoter Eddie Hearn pointed out the substantial financial loss for Joshua in this particular fight. However, despite this significant loss, Joshua was determined to step into the ring.
IT’S ON 🔥@anthonyjoshua will take on Robert Helenius in London 🥊
Live and exclusive August 12th on DAZN. pic.twitter.com/gchWBuTtPW
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) August 8, 2023
According to Hearn, as a non-pay-per-view event, this card ranks among the most robust they’ve ever organized. Joshua expressed his satisfaction that even in the eleventh hour Robert decided to fight him on such short notice.
The Nordic Nightmare expressing his excitement about fighting Joshua on 12 August said, “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.”
The Tale of the Tape for Anthony Joshua 🆚 Robert Helenius 🥊#JoshuaHelenius | #AnthonyJoshua | #RobertHelenius pic.twitter.com/cY1EQFlBcn
— IFL TV (@IFLTV) August 8, 2023
Update on Dillian Whyte’s failed drug test
One week prior to his scheduled boxing match against Anthony Joshua, an official statement from the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) revealed that Dillian Whyte underwent an unexpected anti-doping procedure.
Unfortunately, the test results came back with unfavorable findings, leading to Whyte being removed and sidelined from his highly anticipated bout against AJ.
In response to the surprising news, Dillian engaged with the media to assert that he can confidently state he has never used the substance mentioned in the reports, neither during his training camp nor at any point in his life.
Anthony Joshua vs Dillian Whyte is OFF#JoshuaWhyte2 pic.twitter.com/WShntCYIfP
— RICO_Boxing (@RICO_Boxing1) August 5, 2023
Maintaining his innocence, Whyte urged his supporters to grant him the time to navigate through the process of clearing his name, emphasizing the importance of refraining from making hasty judgments or resorting to media-driven trials.
This isn’t the first time when the Jamaica-born boxer has faced allegations of encountering substances he adamantly denies using. From prior experience, the Brixton native seems determined to once again demonstrate his innocence.
What is your take on Whyte’s failed drug test? Make sure to let us know in the comments section.
