Unpredictability seems to be the anthem of the boxing world lately, and Anthony Joshua is no exception to the rhythm. The ambiance surrounding London’s O2 Arena has taken a dramatic turn for the August 12 event, thanks to some unforeseen circumstances.
Previously ready to spar with Dillian Whyte, Joshua had fans eagerly waiting for a clash of titans. But the boxing gods had a different plan. A failed drug test by Whyte added another hurdle in Joshua’s journey, causing DAZN and Matchroom to scrap the much-awaited rematch. This isn’t the first time fans have been left disappointed due to unforeseen PED complications. Echoing the October 2022 saga, where Conor Benn’s positive test led to the cancellation of his bout with Chris Eubank Jr., this recent twist has certainly added fuel to the fire of the boxing debate.
But fret not, Joshua enthusiasts! He may not be fighting Whyte, but he’s stepping into the ring against Robert Helenius. As the boxing community ponders and debates, one question emerges: Is Helenius a more compelling opponent than Tyson Fury’s chosen competitor, Francis Ngannou?
For a deeper dive into the boxing quagmire, Nick Peet, the vivacious host of Fight Disciples, collaborates with comedian and podcaster Rob Beckett. They dissect the tumultuous week in boxing, shed light on Conor Benn’s UKAD suspension uplift, and discuss Emanuel Navarrete’s defence against another notorious figure in the sport, Oscar Valdez.
Shifting the spotlight back to the O2 Arena, Helenius, hailing from Finland, has been roped in as Whyte’s stand-in. A mere 72 hours after the news of Whyte’s failed test hit the headlines, Helenius confirmed his participation, even after a recent fight in his homeland.
An understandably bewildered Joshua voiced his thoughts, saying, “This wasn’t in the script. I respect Helenius and, indeed, any individual brave enough to step into the boxing ring. As I zero in on Saturday night’s challenge, it’s clear that this is just one stop on my journey to reclaiming greatness. Here’s to a fair fight.”
Helenius, on the other hand, is brimming with enthusiasm: “I am ecstatic to face Anthony Joshua on August 12. As a true Viking, I embrace every challenge thrown my way. This is a golden opportunity, and I’m all in.”
A regular on the British boxing stage, Helenius boasts a reputable track record. He clinched the European championship title in 2011, defeating Derek Chisora. However, a twist in his tale came when he accepted a bout against Whyte with just two weeks’ notice and subsequently lost. But the seasoned fighter, despite a reduced frequency of fights since 2020, is not to be underestimated.
A riveting subplot to this bout is Helenius’s previous encounter with former world heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder, where Helenius faced a first-round knockout. With Wilder and Joshua potentially locking horns later this year, boxing aficionados will be keenly observing Joshua’s strategy against Helenius.
In an exciting move for fans, Matchroom announced that while the original undercard remains untouched, the event won’t be a PPV. Instead, it’s a treat for existing DAZN subscribers.
With a new contender in the mix and the boxing landscape in constant flux, all eyes are now fixed on August 12. Will Joshua reclaim his glory, or will Helenius spring a surprise? Only time will tell.
