Anthony Joshua to fight Finland’s heavyweight champion as Whyte replacement

Anthony Joshua to fight Finland’s heavyweight champion as Whyte replacement

Anthony Joshua will face Robert Helenius in London on Saturday after the Finnish boxer was brought in as a late substitute for Dillian Whyte.

The proposed all-British heavyweight bout was canceled last weekend after “adverse analytical findings” were discovered in a drug test taken by Whyte, who has pledged to clear his name.

Helenius, 39, fought in his homeland on Saturday but has answered the call to take on the former two-time world heavyweight champion.

READ ALSO:

• France send Morocco out of Women’s World Cup with 4-0

• Niger Republic junta names prime minister, others as ECOWAS meets Thursday

• Shuaibu defecting to APC, no plans to impeach him – Obaseki

“This wasn’t in the script,” said Joshua. “I respect Helenius and, may I say, I respect any male or female who steps into the ring.

“I am laser-focused on the win. I can make steps forward to bigger and better things but the road map has a check point Saturday night. May the best man win.”

Helenius, who has 32 wins and four defeats from his 36 professional bouts, was knocked out in the first round by Deontay Wilder in October.

“I am a true Viking that is willing to face any challenge at a moment’s notice,” said Helenius.

“This is not an opportunity I was going to let slip away. I plan to make the most of it!”

Anthony Joshua to fight Finland’s heavyweight champion as Whyte replacement

AFP