Anthony Joshua ‘in talks’ to struggle Deontay Wilder sufferer Robert Helenius
As Matchroom Boxing scramble to search out Anthony Joshua a substitute opponent for August 12, a brand new contender has emerged – Robert Helenius. The Finish puncher is reportedly being thought of as a viable possibility to switch Dillian Whyte after the ‘Body Snatcher’ returned “adverse analytical findings” in a pre-fight medicine take a look at carried out by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA), which led to the cancellation of his rematch with AJ.
According to the Daily Star, Helenius has a sturdy risk of touchdown the struggle if a deal might be reached within the subsequent few hours. Helenius simply fought on Saturday in his first bout again since being knocked out within the first spherical by Deontay Wilder final October.
He squared off towards fellow countryman Mika Mielonen in his native Finland, recording a cushty third-round knockout win. Helenius is match and got here out of his final outing unscathed and so is regarded as among the many frontrunners to face Joshua subsequent.
Eddie Hearn can also be understood to have spoken to Gerald Washington, who’s scheduled to face Derek Chisora on the undercard. Washington’s coach Malik Scott lately revealed his fighter’s willingness to take up the problem in an interview with Sky Sports.
“This is an opportunity we would love to take full advantage of,” he stated. “Myself and Gerald have been working for a year straight together, travelling to different camps, polishing up his style, teaching him different dynamics, sparring with the likes of Deontay [Wilder], [Oleksandr] Usyk, so many young undefeated heavyweights and Gerald did more than hold his own at these levels.”
Washington was reportedly within the operating to face AJ for his comeback struggle in April following back-to-back losses to Oleksandr Usyk. But Joshua’s staff selected to go along with Jermaine Franklin as a substitute. The American has misplaced 5 of his final seven fights together with his final victory coming towards the aforementioned Helenius in 2019.
Other names which have been floated round embody Filip Hrgovic, Demsey McKean and Chisora, who all characteristic on the invoice. Chisora appears unlikely to be subsequent in line as he’s managed by Joshua’s 258 MGT whereas McKean’s southpaw stance would not function notably good preparation for AJ’s blockbuster showdown with Wilder (an orthodox fighter) on the again finish of the 12 months.
Hrgovic would little question be probably the most thrilling struggle that may very well be made however a bout with the Croatian carries an enormous threat issue, particularly with the Saudis threatening to can the Wilder conflict if Joshua loses his subsequent outing.
Andy Ruiz Jr has additionally thrown his hat within the ring for a trilogy bout with Joshua however whether or not his monetary calls for might be met in such a decent timeframe is one other factor.