Anthony Joshua’s opponent final fought three days in the past as refund requests flood in

Anthony Joshua‘s last-minute opponent, Robert Helenius, was in boxing motion as just lately as Saturday night time. The Finn could have precisely every week to relaxation and get better earlier than going through the previous WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO heavyweight champion, who has spoken out on the late change of plans following the withdrawal of Dillian Whyte.

AJ’s subsequent contest needed to be shaken up after Whyte returned ‘antagonistic findings’ as a part of a random anti-doping protocol. Boxing followers have been primed and prepared for the British duo to do battle for the second time – eight years after Joshua dispatched Whyte with a brutal knockout.

Promoter Eddie Hearn has scrambled to discover a alternative since discovering the news on Saturday morning. Helenius was chosen as the person to step in, though staggeringly, the veteran heavyweight was in motion over the weekend.

By comparability, Joshua could have had greater than 4 months to make sure he’s in prime situation as soon as the opening bell rings on the O2 in London.

The 33-year-old additionally has the good thing about a 12-week camp beneath his belt – albeit whereas getting ready for a completely totally different opponent. Thankfully for Helenius, his bout on Saturday didn’t final lengthy as he delivered a TKO inside three rounds.

The towering 6ft 6in veteran was in motion at a medieval fort in Finland, beating countryman Mika Mielonen in convincing trend. AJ might be praying for a equally brutal exhibiting when he takes to the ring this weekend.

Meanwhile, regardless of his latest outing and taking the combat at extremely brief discover, Helenius added: “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!”

Joshua is gunning for a big-money combat with Deontay Wilder early subsequent yr. He will hope to rediscover his earlier style for knockouts beforehand, having gone with out one since flooring Kubrat Pulev virtually three years in the past.