Anthony Joshua breaks silence as Wilder sufferer drafted in to interchange Whyte

Anthony Joshua has spoken out on his new opponent, Robert Helenius, stepping in to interchange Dillian Whyte forward of this weekend’s battle. AJ and ‘The Body Snatcher’ had been because of face off on the O2 nearly eight years after their first match-up, however the battle was scrapped at lower than per week’s discover after Whyte returned ‘hostile findings’ as a part of a random anti-doping protocol.

Joshua is believed to have his coronary heart set on a big-money bout with Deontay Wilder early subsequent 12 months. To get there, he could must dispatch Helenius in convincing trend with the towering Finn agreeing to battle at extraordinarily brief discover.

Helenius, often called ‘The Nordic Nightmare’, has 4 defeats on his CV. One was a unanimous determination in opposition to Whyte again in 2017, whereas he was knocked out within the first spherical in opposition to Wilder final 12 months.

Joshua will hope for a equally emphatic efficiency on Saturday night time, and he has referred to as the bout a ‘examine level’ on his path to extra glamorous heavyweight showdowns.

“This wasn’t in the script,” admitted the 33-year-old. “I respect Helenius and may I say, I respect any male or female who steps into the ring.

“I’m laser centered on the win. I could make steps ahead to greater and higher issues however the highway map has a examine level, Saturday night time. May the most effective man win.”

Helenius, who stands at more than 6ft 6in tall, will come into the bout just a matter of days after his last fight. The 39-year-old took just over two rounds to dispose of his compatriot, Mika Mielonen, with a TKO victory.

“We have managed to maintain the present on,” he added. “AJ has been unbelievable all through this complete course of. He is somebody who is able to battle having educated for 12 weeks in Dallas with Derrick James.

“He has always been a great pro but this just shows me again the hunger he has for the sport. He wants to go out there this Saturday in front of a sold-out crowd at The O2 and perform.”