Anthony Joshua WILL combat this Saturday after new opponent confirmed
The former world champion’s bid to return to the highest of heavyweight boxing had been derailed on the weekend after “adverse findings” had been found in Whyte’s anti-doping take a look at.
Whyte, 35, has denied any wrongdoing after the shock news of his failed take a look at emerged over the weekend.
Finnish fighter Helenius, 39, misplaced in a first-round knockout to Deontay Wilder final yr in his greatest combat so far. He boasts a 32-4 file and misplaced to Whyte six years in the past by unanimous determination.
He stated: “I am excited about fighting Anthony Joshua on August 12. I am a true Viking that is willing to face any challenge at a moment’s notice. This is not an opportunity I was going to let slip away. I plan to make the most of it!”
Speaking after the confirmation, Joshua admitted: “This wasn’t in the script.
“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.”
Joshua, 33, final fought in April as he defeated Jermaine Franklin on the O2 to bounce again from consecutive defeats to Oleksandr Usyk.
A rematch with Whyte was within the books after their rivalry on the newbie scene, earlier than AJ claimed a seventh-round victory for the British heavyweight title in 2015.
After news of his failed take a look at broke, Whyte stated: “I am shocked and devastated to learn of a report by VADA of adverse findings relating to me. I only learned of it this morning and am still reacting to it.
“But I have also just seen that the fight is being canceled. This is without any chance to demonstrate my innocence before the decision.
“I can confirm without a shadow of a doubt that I have not taken the reported substance in this camp or at any point in my life. I’m completely innocent.”