Joshua vs Helenius LIVE: Boxing result and reaction after AJ delivers brutal knockout

Anthony Joshua fights Robert Helenius at the O2 Arena tonight, as the Finn steps in for Dillian Whyte on seven days’ notice.

Joshua was set for his third clash with Whyte here, having lost to his fellow Briton as an amateur before knocking him out in 2015. However, Whyte returned an adverse finding in a drug test last week, leading him to be pulled from tonight’s main event. Helenius, a former sparring partner of “AJ”, steps in, just seven days after having fought and won in Finland.

With that early stoppage of Mika Mielonen, Helenius bounced back from a first-round loss to Deontay Wilder, who was left in tears after stopping the 39-year-old in the first round in October. Meanwhile, Joshua, 33, last fought in April, beating Jermaine Franklin on points to respond positively to two straight losses to Oleksandr Usyk.

Can the former two-time heavyweight champion stay on track for a potential bout with Wilder? We’ll find out tonight in London. Follow live updates and results from the main event and undercard, below.

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Anthony Joshua vs Robert Helenius LIVE

• Joshua fights Helenius in heavyweight clash at London’s O2 Arena

• Finland’s Helenius steps in on week’s notice, as Dillian Whyte fails drug test

• AJ, 33, and Helenius, 39, are former sparring partners

• Helenius won in Finland last week; Joshua beat Jermaine Franklin in April

• Anthony Joshua vs Robert Helenius was left in doubt after late row over gloves

• Dillian Whyte vows to prove his innocence after doping test ‘adverse finding’

• UNDERCARD: Hrgovic knocks out McKean in 12th round of dull heavyweight fight

• Scott and Liddard impress, plus more Joshua vs Helenius undercard results

• Conor McGregor attends Joshua vs Helenius fight

• Chisora outpoints Washington in sluggish fight on undercard

• Knockout! Joshua produces spectacular seventh-round knockout to leave Helenius out cold

Eddie Hearn reacts to Anthony Joshua knockout

23:56 , Jack Rathborn

“It's the fight we want, it's a three-fight plan, Helenius, Deontay Wilder, then Tyson Fury. That's the ambition of the team. Things have changed, he's a mature heavyweight. He took his time and delivered one of the knockouts of the year. He's smarter, he'll take his time.

“It’s dangerous coming in, everybody expects one round, two rounds, three rounds. He saved the show. It’s a box ticked, now it’s Wilder in January. Saudi Arabia want a January date, Shelly texted me with a fingers crossed, it’s one of the biggest fights of all time.”

Anthony Joshua reacts to knockout victory and Deontay Wilder fight next

23:55 , Jack Rathborn

“People need to leave me alone, let me breathe a bit, Helenius, I told him, please come again, he's got talent. He will cause a lot of people problems, credit to him, saving the show. I'll see you again soon, hopefully two more times this year, I need to stay busy.

“My back’s gone, I’m carrying this heavyweight division to the top.”

Anthony Joshua celebrates with Conor McGregor after knocking out Robert Helenius

23:49 , Jack Rathborn

That was special!

Jab, jab and then the right hand he was searching for.

On the chin, Helenius folded, tumbling down the ropes and the referee didn’t even look to make a count, it was over so quickly.

Joshua celebrates by leaping outside the ring and embracing Conor McGregor.

Joshua delivers devastating knockout in seventh round against Helenius

23:47 , Jack Rathborn

“It's hard to find the right hand,” Joshua tells James in the corner.

Now into the seventh, Helenius is breathing heavily, this is some effort from the Finn.

WOW, out of nowhere, BOOM!

A knockout, Helenius is out cold, huge knockout from Joshua!

Joshua attracts more whistles from O2 crowd in nervy Helenius fight

23:44 , Jack Rathborn

A check hook from Helenius lands, Joshua is changing the height of his attack, but while bouncing in, the Finn is timing him nicely.

Now almost at the half-way stage, Joshua is yet to pull off a really eye-catching shot.

More boos from the crowd, Helenius was on the ropes, but Joshua hesitated, he took a small step back even.

Helenius grows in confidence after landing on Joshua in fifth round

23:40 , Jack Rathborn

Now Helenius is grabbing Joshua, can Joshua ramp up the intensity of this bout in the fifth.

No rush just yet, although as Bellew outlines, some will be getting restless watching this.

Helenius is now sticking his jab into AJ’s face and coming around to the left, whipping in the hook.

A nice left hook from Joshua in response, who has caused a crimson blemish across the Finn’s face, trickling down from his nose.

Joshua trying to close distance in fourth round against Helenius

23:36 , Jack Rathborn

A fourth round where Joshua aims to lure Helenius into trading, but he’s not yet nibbling.

Joshua again effective with those long jabs, but this is still yet to catch fire.

AJ is winning this fight, that’s for sure, but will he take some risks to really unsettle Helenius.

As AJ moaned to James earlier, it’s the lean from Helenius which is taking the sting out of Joshua’s assaults. His jab is keeping Joshua honest too.

Bellew: “He's got to turn the scew. If Deontay Wilder is fighting, this is not going this long, I want to see him get close and let those combinations go.”

Joshua booed by O2 crowd after tentative third round

23:31 , Jack Rathborn

These are nice jabs from Joshua, he bends at the waist. Upstairs and downstairs.

But this is all one and two-punch combinations so far. The crowd whistle and boo the action.

Joshua’s left eye is marked up now too, Helenius able to tag him with the jab.

Joshua slowly finding his groove against Helenius in second round of fight

23:29 , Jack Rathborn

“He's leaning back,” Joshua tells James after round two.

This is a cautious Joshua, which is fine at this early stage.

But we’ll need to see him open up soon and put Helenius away to build the excitement for the Wilder fight.

Joshua looking to set traps for Helenius in round one

23:24 , Jack Rathborn

It’s a good start from Helenius, who is positive, on the front foot and willing to put punches together.

Joshua penetrating the Finn’s guard with a neat jab, but not exactly opening up just yet.

Both fighters very engaged and looking to counter, this fight is mostly in the centre of the ring.

Joshua ready to battle Helenius in heavyweight clash at O2

23:20 , Jack Rathborn

The Nordic Nightmare looks to revelling in this moment, what a chance he was given thanks to Dillian Whyte’s failed drugs test.

Joshua, still in his red robe, with new trainer Derrick James, a huge ovation for the two-time world heavyweight champion.

Anthony Joshua walks to the ring to fight Robert Helenius

23:15 , Jack Rathborn

Here comes Anthony Joshua...

The violinist plays the theme to The Godfather.

In a red robe, AJ looks calm and collected. He needs a special performance here to regain that killer instinct and confidence ahead of a superfight with Deontay Wilder.

Joshua tipped by DAZN fight fans to win by KO against Helenius

22:59 , Jack Rathborn

The DAZN poll says Joshua by KO (77%), Helenius by KO (12%), Joshua on points (9%) and Helenius on points (2%).

Chisora outpoints Washington on Joshua vs Helenius undercard

22:53 , Jack Rathborn

The judges have it:

98-93, 97-94 and 96-94 all for Chisora. That is a stunner!

A unanimous decision for the Briton.

Washington confides in him afterwards, whispering a message in his ear. Both men show their class after the decision.

Conor McGregor enters ring ahead of Joshua vs Helenius

22:51 , Jack Rathborn

Derek Chisora goes the distance on Joshua vs Helenius undercard

22:50 , Jack Rathborn

This has been 10 long rounds. Both men are exhausted and don’t seem to have much left in them at the top of this sport.

Washington has probably done enough, a couple more crisp shots, timed on the sluggish Chisora, who could not impose his aggressive, brawling style on the American.

Could this be the end of ‘War’ Chisora?

Chisora vs Washington analysis on Joshua vs Helenius undercard

22:39 , Alex Pattle, ringside at The O2

A bit of an ebb and flow to this fight. Chisora is going through spells where he looks quite tidy and is boxing positively, but he has ended a few of the rounds poorly - including the seventh just now, as he ate a combination of clean, heavy shots right before the bell. Those kinds of flurries can seal rounds, too.

Chisora lacking snap in punches against Washington on Joshua vs Helenius undercard

22:29 , Jack Rathborn

Chisora’s cut is problematic, of that there is no doubt, but he’s still bringing all the aggression to this fight.

Washington just wants to hold and move, the occasional jab dangled out.

The crowd starting to get back into this one now too, we move to the sixth.

Chisora struggling to connect with negative Washington on Joshua vs Helenius undercard

22:20 , Jack Rathborn

Chisora vulnerable to the uppercut when he leans in.

But the workrate is good from the Briton. Washington looks happy to circle the ring, brushing his shoulders against the ropes.

It’s agricultural work from Chisora though, barely thinking about a more cultured way of breaking down the American. The looping, overhand right is his trusty friend.

Conor McGregor attends Joshua vs Helenius fight

22:18 , Jack Rathborn

Chisora cut in early stages of Joshua vs Helenius undercard fight

22:16 , Jack Rathborn

A little blemish on Chisora’s right eye. He bounces in, hurling those thudding shots towards Washington.

Even the ones bouncing off the American’s arms seem to be having an effect.

Both men grappling and it’s becoming a little messy with Washington’s long arms locking in the brawler.

Chisora battles Washington on Joshua vs Helenius undercard

22:12 , Jack Rathborn

Chisora, in bright pink gloves and shorts, bringing the pressure.

This should prove whether ‘War’ has anything left in the tank, even against fighters a few tiers below ‘world’ level.

Derek Chisora poised to star on Joshua vs Helenius undercard

22:03 , Jack Rathborn

A cult hero, he’s near the end, but one last hurrah for Derek Chisora.

Hotel California starts to play in the arena, this will be a special atmosphere.

Gerald Washington is in his way, can the Briton blast out the American to spark one final run at a huge fight?

Sunny Edwards sends message to Bam Rodriguez

21:52 , Jack Rathborn

I've been waiting for this fight my whole life," says Sunny Edwards ahead of his fight with Bam Rodriguez on 16 December.

"It took one fight longer than we wanted. They couldn't run away no more.

“Bam is exciting, he’s got hype and traction to his career. We’ll make him look silly. It’s a pound-for-pound fight, we’re two top fighters.

“This is genuinely elite against elite. He should be here right now. I know he's running scared. He's backed into a corner. His world title reign is over."

Hrgovic lands final-round knockout on Joshua vs Helenius undercard

21:42 , Jack Rathborn

IT’S OVER!

McKean is gone in the 12th, but he staggers and holds on while upright.

Hrgovic lands a combination and it’s a belated stoppage, he’s got what he wanted in the end, but it was a poor display for long spells of that fight.

It was a lead right hook, it came from a low trajectory, whipped in high and the Aussie was gone immediately.

Conor McGregor arrives for Joshua vs Helenius

21:37 , Jack Rathborn

Conor McGregor has arrived for Joshua vs Helenius fight.

A huge entourage for the UFC superstar, the Irishman has targeted investment in boxing previously with his support for Katie Taylor.

McGregor is still to return from injury with his last fight more than two years ago against Dustin Poirier.

Hrgovic searches for stoppage on Joshua vs Helenius undercard

21:32 , Jack Rathborn

Chopping left from Hrgovic in the ninth and McKean is very tired now.

The Croatian is looking to close the show.

The Aussie is now breathing heavily, there’s not much left. Will we see a stoppage? Hrgovic just has to time McKean coming in.

We enter the 10th round and McKean wants to grasp control of the centre of the ring, Hrgovic eager to counter off the ropes.

Hrgovic and McKean stagger to 10th round on Joshua vs Helenius undercard

21:30 , Jack Rathborn

Hrgovic and McKean struggling to impress on Joshua vs Helenius undercard

21:21 , Jack Rathborn

Now into the second half of a content that is hardly thrilling.

A huge stage, and yet neither man willing to take a risk to grab the limelight - where have we seen this before from Hrgovic?

You sense once Usyk deals with him and he’s heading to the back of the queue, that might be the last we see of him.

Hrgovic looks to shine against McKean on Joshua vs Helenius undercard

21:01 , Jack Rathborn

An interesting start to this bout, McKean boxing nicely but Hrgovic attempting to take control.

This is a fascinating bout, with the Croatian so talented, but yet to really sparkle on the big stage in the pro ranks.

Remember, Hrgovic is in line to be Usyk’s mandatory challenger in the near future.

David Haye rates Filip Hrgovic ahead of fight on Joshua vs Helenius undercard

20:56 , Jack Rathborn

“He was very good, even 10 years ago,” David Haye said of the Croatian, who was in his camp to fight Tyson Fury, with the bout eventually cancelled.

“You cannot question this guy's determination, his chin, he keeps coming. Punch resistance, he's got it. He's well-rounded as an amateur. He's been there, done it. I thought he was ready five or six years ago for this level, but he's taken his time.”

Joshua vs Helenius undercard sees Fisher shine

20:50 , Jack Rathborn

Johnny Fisher reaction on Joshua vs Helenius undercard

20:44 , Jack Rathborn

Fisher said: “I paced myself, I knew I had to keep something in the tank. I found something in the seventh, always in my head, 10 rounds is on the board. I've got to be willing to go that far. I knew I had it in me.

“Eddie said, ‘you’ve been in a good scrap there.’”

Hearn adds: “We need to stop talking about fisher the prospect, he’s a great British prospect, he’s fast, he can punch, he’s got a great chin.

“Tonight was a marker in the sand, everybody loves Johnny Fisher, but this man can really fight.”

Johnny Fisher analysis from ringside at Joshua vs Helenius

20:38 , Alex Pattle

A hellacious right hook saw Armstrong collapse into the ropes, says Alex Pattle at ringside in London.

The ropes were the only thing keeping him up!

He got a standing count, which he beat, but you immediately saw a bad cut around his left eye…

Fisher immediately went for the finish, and the towel came in as he pummelled Armstrong against the ropes! Fisher collapsed to his knees in relief, a brilliant stoppage.

Fisher wins Southern Area heavyweight title on Joshua vs Helenius undercard

20:35 , Jack Rathborn

BOOM!

That’s a monster right hand from Fisher, and it’s the beginning of the end for Armstrong.

It’s a devastating seventh round, Armstrong sank on the ropes and got a count.

Then Fisher windmills, sensing the end, in comes the towel.

Fisher is the Southern Area heavyweight champion.

Fisher and Armstrong wrestling in scrappy bout on Joshua vs Helenius undercard

20:32 , Alex Pattle

Perhaps somewhat frustrated, Fisher dumps Armstrong to the floor in what is more an exhibition of wrestling than boxing.

We’re going to the seventh round. Ten scheduled.

Fisher dragged into scrappy fight with Armstrong after fiery start on Joshua vs Helenius undercard

20:26 , Alex Pattle

Fisher is more patient through the second and third rounds, while Armstrong - to his credit - is game, picking his moments to get after the “Romford Bull”.

Fisher is content to fight on the back foot at times, and to work the body.

Things get scrappier in the fourth round, though, and Fisher knocks Armstrong onto the ropes in a frantic finish to the round!

20:25 , Jack Rathborn

Fisher takes command over Armstrong on Joshua vs Helenius undercard

20:22 , Alex Pattle

Fisher stings Armstrong with the first jab he throws then swarms him on the ropes and has him on the mat inside 10 seconds!

Armstrong beats the referee’s count but is clobbered by the Essex man in the corner.

Eventually Fisher has to let up and ease off for a while. Armstrong gets off some sporadic offence in that period and makes it to the bell.

Fisher vs Armstrong on Joshua vs Helenius undercard

20:07 , Jack Rathborn

CHAOS!

Fisher with a barrage of shots, 15 seconds and Armstrong is down.

This is an all-out attack, nothing coming back, but can Armstrong weather the storm? The crowd is alive.

Huge right hand from Fisher, then the piston-like jab, he’s confident.

Johnny Fisher ramps up atmosphere at Joshua vs Helenius

20:06 , Jack Rathborn

Really good reception for Johnny Fisher. His following has been audible and visible at a few fights now, but it seems to be swelling each time out. If he gets another win here, don’t be surprised if he begins to climb these cards very quickly.

The “Romford Bull” is 9-0 with eight KO wins.

Johnny Fisher up next on Joshua vs Helenius undercard

20:03 , Jack Rathborn

Here comes Johnny Fisher, the British heavyweight is eyeing a first title against Harry Armstrong.

The Southern Area title is on the line and the Romford Bull has huge support inside the O2.

One of the biggest ticket sellers in the country.

Eddie Hearn’s three-fight plan for Anthony Joshua

20:00 , Jack Rathborn

“The Saudis are here tonight to make that fight, in January, if he gets through tonight,” Hearn adds.

“We have a three-fight plan, actually, it’s Helenius, Wilder, Fury, but if the first win doesn’t happen, the second two don’t matter.”

Eddie Hearn inside Anthony Joshua’s dressing room

19:56 , Jack Rathborn

“He’s been here before, it didn’t work out too well last time,” Hearn says at the O2 arena just moments ago.

“He wanted to make sure he could put on a good show. You need somebody who could get on the plane the next day.

“Helenius is full of confidence, a good guy, he can punch. He’s credible.”

Anthony Joshua reacts to Dillian Whyte’s failed drugs test

19:51 , Jack Rathborn

“In today’s society, it’s expected,” says Joshua. “These things happen. Put on a game, who’s next?

“Oh, somebody else, it’s normal in boxing now. DAZN has a massive input on the opponent.

“I’d fight somebody off the streets, they said you need somebody credible. The funds changed.

“Helenius was realistic, if he wasn’t fit and didn’t think he’d win, he wouldn’t be here.”

Dillian Whyte vows to prove his innocence after doping test ‘adverse finding’

19:33 , Jack Rathborn

Dillian Whyte has vowed to prove his innocence after returning “adverse analytical findings” in a doping test that led to the cancellation of his bout against Anthony Joshua next Saturday.

An eagerly-anticipated rematch between the British heavyweights was called off by Matchroom after the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association informed the promoters and boxing authorities about the test result.

It is understood Joshua could still fight at London’s O2 Arena as Matchroom seek a late replacement opponent for the former two-time world heavyweight champion but Whyte faces a battle to clear his name.

Dillian Whyte vows to prove his innocence after doping test ‘adverse finding’

Joshua vs Helenius undercard update

19:24 , Alex Pattle

There were big decision wins for Brandon Scott and George Liddard, both of whom had plenty of support in the O2 Arena.

Scott, “the Baddest Nerd on the Planet”, won all six rounds against Louis Norman to stay unbeaten, before Liddard beat the brakes off Bas Oosterweghel.

Earlier in the night, Maisey Rose Courtney was a decision winner over Gemma Ruegg to stay undefeated.

Now in action, Campbell Hatton - son of British icon Ricky - against Tom Ansell.

George Liddard in action on Joshua vs Helenius undercard

19:15 , Jack Rathborn

Anthony Joshua interview: ‘Robotic? I became a champion being robotic'

18:55 , Alex Pattle

Anthony Joshua was expecting to fight a familiar face this weekend, just not this one.

Until last Saturday, the former two-time world heavyweight champion was on course for a clash with Dillian Whyte, who outpointed Joshua when the Britons were amateurs, but who “AJ” knocked out brutally in a professional rematch in 2015. The trilogy bout was set for this Saturday, at London’s O2 Arena, which hosted the rivals’ last meeting. But then Whyte completed his own trilogy, returning an adverse drug-test finding for the third time in his career.

Whyte served a two-year ban from 2012 to 2014 in the first instance, before being exonerated during his 2019 episode, and now fans await the outcome of this latest saga. Stepping in for the 35-year-old, in any case, is Robert Helenius, who Joshua also knows well. The pair sparred in 2017, as Joshua prepared for his fight with Wladimir Klitschko, and Helenius recalled of AJ this week: “[He was a] hard hitter, good technicals, a little bit robotic. I felt pretty confident.”

Those comments were put to Joshua. “A bit robotic? Maybe,” he said. “But I became a champion being robotic. It’s true, right? It’s paid off.”

Full interview:

Anthony Joshua: ‘Robotic? I became a champion being robotic’

Anthony Joshua vs Robert Helenius LIVE: Campbell Hatton - exclusive interview

18:42 , Alex Pattle

It has been a whirlwind week in British boxing, with Joshua, Helenius and Eddie Hearn among those swept up in the storm caused by Dillian Whyte’s failed doping test. But they have not been the only figures forced to brace and hope for the best.

Campbell Hatton, son of boxing icon Ricky, is one of many undercard fighters to have been disorientated ahead of tonight’s event.

“I was sweating, me!” the 22-year-old tells The Independent. “I found out probably a couple of hours before the announcement that [Joshua vs Whyte] was off. I spoke to Matthew – my trainer and uncle – and he was always pretty confident they’d be able to get someone in, but I just thought: At this stage of the game, and at the very top level, you’re struggling if you lose your main event.”

Read and watch our interview in full, here:

Campbell Hatton: ‘I used to have my nappy changed on the ring apron!’

Anthony Joshua vs Robert Helenius LIVE: AJ reveals the loss that hurt him the most

18:33 , Alex Pattle

Joshua revealed this week that his second loss to Oleksandr Usyk was the most painful defeat of his career.

Joshua was unbeaten until he suffered a shock TKO loss to Andy Ruiz Jr in June 2019, a defeat that he avenged by outpointing Ruiz six months later. The Briton then knocked out Kubrat Pulev in 2020 before losing to Oleksandr Usyk on points in 2021. Joshua, 33, fought the unbeaten Ukrainian again in August 2022, but unlike in his rematch against Ruiz, “AJ” could not regain his unified heavyweight titles.

Joshua bounced back with a decision win over Jermaine Franklin in April, and ahead of his clash with Helenius, he was asked which loss hurt him the most.

He told Dazn without hesitation: “Usyk 2. Yeah, massively. I respect Usyk, yeah? But it just hurt, the defeat.

“It was weak. It was a weak performance by me. I wasn’t supposed to lose, in my head. It just... I give my life to this game, man. I give everything, I swear to you. I give a lot.

“Even talking about it now, it just makes me feel like... choked up a bit. When you put everything into something, it’s not easy... The only thing we get credit for is winning, there’s no silver medal in boxing. And what I gave wasn’t enough.”

More here:

Anthony Joshua reveals which of his three defeats hurt the most

Anthony Joshua vs Robert Helenius LIVE: Deontay Wilder tearful after knocking out Finn

18:25 , Alex Pattle

Here’s what Deontay Wilder had to say after knocking out Helenius in the first round in October:

“Yeah, it’s a great knockout, it’s devastating, making history and stuff like that, but how much is that man gonna suffer?

“He may be alright right now – a little bit – but what about the next day? What about two weeks from now? What about a month from now? Maybe years from now?

“We’ve seen what happened, look at [Prichard] Colon. This man ain’t have no kids...” Wilder said, referencing his compatriot and fellow boxer who suffered a brain injury in a 2015 fight, before trailing off in tears.

“Y’all don’t f***ing understand what we go through, man.”

More here:

Deontay Wilder gives tearful press conference after Robert Helenius KO

Anthony Joshua vs Robert Helenius LIVE: ‘Have you got a problem with me?'

18:17 , Alex Pattle

Joshua and Helenius engaged in an intense face-off yesterday, as “AJ” asked his opponent at their weigh-in: “Have you got a problem with me?”

Things have been cordial between the heavyweights, who were sparring partners in 2017, but that changed somewhat yesterday.

After a long, intense staredown, Joshua asked Helenius: “You good? Have you got a problem with me? Seriously, is everything alright with you?

“Either we’re gonna fight now or we’re gonna fight tomorrow, either way we’re gonna fight.”

More here:

‘Have you got a problem?’ Anthony Joshua and Robert Helenius share intense staredown

Anthony Joshua vs Robert Helenius LIVE: Time to stop taking AJ for granted

18:07 , Alex Pattle

In recent years, it has become quite fashionable to criticise Joshua. At times, it has been relatively easy to. In the years since the heavyweight became the darling of British boxing, he has won world titles, lost them, regained them and lost them again – to the dismay of some and delight of others. Even in victory, he is susceptible to backlash, as was most evident in the reactions to his points win over Jermaine Franklin in April.

There was scepticism in these pages, admittedly, when Joshua laboured to a decision win against the American. Never mind that it was a vital victory in the aftermath of two straight losses to Oleksandr Usyk, and that it was a first bout under Joshua’s new coach Derrick James; it was an underwhelming outing, one that left even “AJ” disappointed in himself.

And when comparing Joshua to his heavyweight colleagues, it is easy to find faults in the 33-year-old. He is not a technician like Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk; he has become gun shy, unlike the trigger-happy Deontay Wilder; he no longer holds an unbeaten record or the titles that some of those fighters possess. Yet there is one area in which Joshua has recently, consistently set himself apart from many of the key heavyweight characters.

What is it? Find out in the opinion piece below:

It’s time to stop taking Anthony Joshua for granted

Anthony Joshua vs Robert Helenius was left in doubt after late row over gloves

17:59 , Jack Rathborn

Anthony Joshua vs Robert Helenius was left in jeopardy on Friday night and earlier on Saturday after a glove row.

After Friday’s weigh-in on Friday, a video displayed Helenius and his team at a meeting to inspect gloves to be worn and discuss the rules of the bout.

Usually a formality, tension quickly emerged between the camps with Helenius and his team left furious.

The Finn was left upset and complained about what he perceived to be limited amount of padding on AJ’s Leone brand gloves in comparison to his own Grant brand gloves, even though BBBofC (British Boxing Board of Control) had cleared both selections.

“This is f***ing ridiculous,” Helenius said, while also making a request to use the same gloves as Joshua.

Anthony Joshua vs Robert Helenius LIVE: Finn says he’d be a ‘coward’ to turn down fight

17:55 , Alex Pattle

Somewhere in a castle in Finland on Saturday night, five minutes removed from beating Mika Mielonen, Helenius was posed a question. “Dillian Whyte is out; are you in?” Fighting Joshua in London on seven days’ notice was the proposition, and it was one that Helenius accepted with little hesitation. Four days on, he casually tells reporters in the English capital: “Nobody will remember a coward.”

Few would have labelled Helenius as such, had he decided not to take this fight with Joshua in the wake of Whyte’s failed drug test, but the Finn himself would have lived with regret.

That said, there was more to Helenius’s decision than just that. “Of course I think he’s vulnerable,” the 39-year-old says of Joshua, with whom he sparred in 2017. “I wouldn’t be here otherwise. I think I’d find easier jobs to do. I’m gonna take my chances and say now is the best time to fight him.”

Full interview:

Robert Helenius on accepting Anthony Joshua fight: ‘Nobody will remember a coward’

Anthony Joshua vs Robert Helenius LIVE: Heavyweights go in-depth on boxing’s doping ‘problem’

17:40 , Alex Pattle

Helenius puts it bluntly: “In Finland, if I would be caught, I would be lynched for my whole life.”

The Finn is the chief – perhaps only – beneficiary in this week’s drug-test saga, but he is still damning of a situation that has handed him one of the biggest bouts of his career.

“Of course it’s a problem, because I don’t think everybody’s on the same level,” he tells reporters on Wednesday. “I think some boxers have some privileges that others don’t. I think anti-doping should be the same in every country. For example, in your country, when Dillian gets caught, nobody cares. I would get a two-year minimum [ban], or I would never get a licence again.”

Joshua remains calmer on the topic – stunningly so, given how this week has affected him, and considering that he was burnt by a short-notice fight with Andy Ruiz in June 2019, after his original opponent Jarrell Miller tested positive for multiple banned substances. “It happens in boxing,” Joshua says. “It’s not the first time it’s happened. [It’s happening more], so I wasn’t so surprised to be honest.

“I hope it’s a mistake [with Whyte], but that’s why I have to invest in these tests, etc, and now I ask the team: ‘Can they get Helenius tested as well?’ It’s important to make sure we’re on top of these things. I actually don’t know what Dillian was caught with, I don’t know what was in his system.”

Full article:

Anthony Joshua and Robert Helenius go in-depth on boxing’s doping ‘problem’

Anthony Joshua vs Robert Helenius LIVE: Dillian Whyte vows to prove innocence

17:30 , Alex Pattle

Dillian Whyte wrote on his social media channels last weekend: “I am shocked and devastated to learn of a report by Vada (Voluntary Anti-Doping Association) of adverse findings relating to me.

“I only learned of it this morning and am still reacting to it. I have also just seen that the fight is being cancelled without having any chance to demonstrate my innocence before the decision was taken.

“I can confirm without a shadow of doubt that I have not taken the reported substance, in this camp or at any point in my life.

“I am completely innocent and ask to be given the time to go through the process of proving this without anybody jumping to conclusions or a trial by media.”

More here:

Dillian Whyte vows to prove his innocence after doping test ‘adverse finding’

Anthony Joshua vs Robert Helenius LIVE: Who is the ‘Nordic Nightmare’?

17:15 , Alex Pattle

Finland’s Helenius, 39, fought just last week, stopping Mika Mielonen in the third round to bounce back from a knockout loss to Deontay Wilder last October.

Helenius appeared to retire after his first-round defeat by Wilder, who tearfully said at the post-fight press conference: “How much is that man gonna suffer? He may be alright right now – a little bit – but what about the next day? What about two weeks from now? What about a month from now? Maybe years from now?”

Helenius returned to the ring last Saturday, though, beating Mielonen in what might have proved a helpful warm-up for this clash with Joshua.

With that win, Helenius improved his professional record to 32-4 (21 KO wins, 3 KO losses). His most notable opponents, alongside Wilder, have been Whyte and Derek Chisora, with the former outpointing Helenius and the latter losing to the Finn via decision.

More here:

Robert Helenius: Record of Finnish boxer stepping up to face Anthony Joshua

Anthony Joshua vs Robert Helenius LIVE: Start time, stream, card

17:01 , Alex Pattle

Key timings tonight

The main card is due to begin at 7pm BST (11am PT, 1pm CT, 2pm ET). Ring walks for the main event are then expected at around 10pm BST (2pm PT, 4pm CT, 5pm ET).

How to watch the event

The event will stream live on Dazn. A subscription to the streaming platform is available to purchase here, with monthly plans starting at £9.99.

If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch the Anthony Joshua fight then you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN roundup is here to help: get great deals on the best VPNs in the market.

Full card (subject to change)

Anthony Joshua vs Robert Helenius (heavyweight)

Filip Hrgovic vs Demsey McKean (heavyweight)

Johnny Fisher vs Harry Armstrong (heavyweight)

Derek Chisora vs Gerald Washington (heavyweight)

Campbell Hatton vs Tom Ansell (super-lightweight)

George Liddard vs Bas Oosterweghel (middleweight)

Brandon Scott vs Louis Norman (featherweight)

Maisey Rose Courtney vs Gemma Ruegg (super-flyweight)

Anthony Joshua vs Robert Helenius LIVE

Friday 11 August 2023 16:35 , Alex Pattle

Hello everyone, and welcome to our live coverage of Anthony Joshua’s fight with Robert Helenius!

The heavyweights will clash at the O2 Arena tonight, as Finland’s Helenius steps in for Dillian Whyte on seven days’ notice.

Joshua was set for his third clash with Whyte here, having lost to his fellow Briton as an amateur before knocking him out in 2015. However, Whyte returned an adverse finding in a drug test last week, leading him to be pulled from tonight’s main event.

Helenius, a former sparring partner of “AJ”, steps in, just seven days after having fought and won in Finland. With that early stoppage of Mika Mielonen, Helenius bounced back from a first-round loss to Deontay Wilder, who was left in tears after stopping the 39-year-old in the first round in October.

Meanwhile, Joshua, 33, last fought in April, beating Jermaine Franklin on points to respond positively to two straight losses to Oleksandr Usyk.

Can the former two-time heavyweight champion stay on track for a potential bout with Wilder? We’ll find out tonight in London. Follow live updates and results from the main event and undercard, right here.