Robert Helenius will take Dillian Whyte’s place as Joshua’s opponent in the heavyweight fight, taking place London O2 Arena on August 12 Saturday.
IT’S ON 🔥@anthonyjoshua will take on Robert Helenius in London 🥊
Live and exclusive August 12th on DAZN. pic.twitter.com/gchWBuTtPW
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) August 8, 2023
Helenius was called in with less than a week’s notice after Whyte was disqualified from the event due to failed voluntary test.
“I am a true Viking that is willing to face any challenge at a moment’s notice,” the Finn said.
“This is not an opportunity I was going to let slip away. I plan to make the most of it.”
Helenius lost his last fight in a rather convincing way – by a first-round knockout. He has never challenged for a world title and has only fought last Saturday securing a third-round TKO win over Mika Mielonen in Finland.
“This wasn’t in the script,” Joshua commented about his new opponent. “I am laser focused on the win.”
Should Joshua win he could face WBC champion Deontay Wilder, which could occur some time in early 2024.