ROBERT Helenius has been named as the new opponent for Anthony Joshua in Saturday’s heavyweight boxing bout following the withdrawal of Dillian Whyte.
Two-time world champion Joshua was billed for a grudge rematch with Whyte but the Briton tested positive for banned substances and the fight was called off.
Now Joshua, who has dual Nigerian and British citizenship, will face Helenius at the O2 Arena in London on Saturday instead.
Helenius, who is from Finland, has 32 wins and four losses on his record and has stepped 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 has never challenged for a world title and claimed a third-round technical knockout win over Mika Mielonen in Finland only last Saturday.
The 6ft 6in Helenius has lost to Gerald Washington, Whyte and Johann Duhaupas, as well as Wilder, in his career.
If 33-year-old Joshua beats Helenius on Saturday, he will be in line 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 beat Jermaine Franklin on points.
Joshua had held talks with several heavyweights already on his undercard, including American heavyweight Washington, to replace Whyte, but promoter Eddie Hearn said many opponents priced themselves out of the running.
“With a week to go before one of the biggest fights of the year I was shocked and dumfounded. AJ sent me a message which was unbelievably calm,” Hearn told reporters.
“AJ is desperate to fight. He has looked unbelievable in camp. I have never seen him in such good shape.”
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