AJ opponent Helenius haunted by ‘viking blood’ remark after failed medicine take a look at

Robert Helenius’ phrases look to have come again to hang-out the heavyweight boxer after claiming he did not want to make use of medicine to boost his efficiency as a result of he had ‘viking blood’ in him. The Finn, who was knocked out by Anthony Joshua of their struggle on the O2 Arena solely two weeks in the past, might face a ban from the game after it was revealed an ‘antagonistic analytical discovering’ was returned from his medicine take a look at outcomes taken a fortnight in the past.

Helenius stepped in at per week’s discover to face Joshua solely after his preliminary opponent, Dillian Whyte, additionally returned an “adverse analytical finding” in a take a look at earlier than the struggle. Joshua knocked out Helenius within the seventh spherical in London on August 12.

But on Friday, promoters Matchroom Boxing confirmed the 39-year-old had additionally returned an antagonistic pattern from his voluntary drug take a look at taken earlier than the bout, probably jeopardising his profession within the sport.

An announcement from Matchroom 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.

“Matchroom defers to the related regulatory authorities on subsequent steps. We vehemently proceed to help voluntary anti-doping testing. We are dedicated to selling a clear and honest sport for all athletes.”

Earlier this month, Helenius went on a rant about the usage of medicine in boxing and claimed he would by no means be capable of return to the game if he was caught – and insisted his ‘viking’ roots means he would not have to delve into unlawful substances anyway.

“In Finland, if I would be caught I would be lynched for my whole life,” he said earlier in August.