Anthony Joshua’s most up-to-date opponent failed medicine take a look at earlier than bout

Robert Helenius failed a pre-fight medicine take a look at previous to his current heavyweight combat with former world champion Anthony Joshua, it has emerged.

The Finn was a late substitute for the combat after Joshua’s scheduled opponent Dillian Whyte failed a medication take a look at himself the weekend earlier than their deliberate combat at The O2 on 12 August.

Whyte later mentioned he was “shocked and devastated” to study of the findings and supposed to show his innocence.

Matchroom Boxing, Joshua’s promotional workforce, has now confirmed that Helenius had “returned an adverse analytical finding” after being voluntarily examined on 11 August.

In an announcement, Matchroom Boxing mentioned they had been first notified concerning the opposed discovering this Friday, 13 days after the combat.

It learn: “Today, the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) has informed Matchroom and the British Boxing Board of Control that Robert Helenius has returned an adverse analytical finding as part of a random anti-doping protocol.

“Helenius was voluntarily examined on Friday August 11 earlier than the heavyweight fighter’s defeat by Anthony Joshua in London on Saturday August 12. The consequence was made identified to Matchroom as we speak (Friday).

“Matchroom defers to the relevant regulatory authorities on next steps. We vehemently continue to support voluntary anti-doping testing. We are committed to promoting a clean and fair sport for all athletes.”

Joshua knocked out Helenius within the seventh spherical to maintain himself on the right track for a combat towards Deontay Wilder.

Helenius has not but publicly commented on the findings.