Helenius replaces Whyte for Joshua’s heavyweight showdown
Anthony Joshua will fight Robert Helenius at London’s O2 Arena on Saturday as the replacement for Dillian Whyte.
Joshua’s heavyweight rematch with Whyte was cancelled at the weekend after the latter failed a voluntary drug test.
Finland’s Helenius, who has 32 wins and four losses, steps in at less than a week’s notice.
“This wasn’t in the script,” Joshua said of his new opponent. “I am laser focused on the win.”
Helenius’ last big fight was a first-round knockout defeat by Deontay Wilder in October.
“I am a true Viking that is willing to face any challenge at a moment’s notice,” the 39-year-old said.
“This is not an opportunity I was going to let slip away. I plan to make the most of it.”
Helenius, who has never challenged for a world title, only fought on Saturday, securing a third-round TKO win over Mika Mielonen in Finland.
As well as Wilder, the 6ft 6in Helenius has losses to Gerald Washington, Whyte and Johann Duhaupas.
A win would set Joshua up for his long-awaited fight with former WBC champion, Deontay Wilder, which could happen early next year.
Joshua is undefeated at the O2 Arena in London and won at the venue in April when he outpointed Jermaine Franklin. –BBC