Anthony Joshua news LIVE: AJ and Robert Helenius weigh in ahead of heavyweight fight

Anthony Joshua will fight Robert Helenius on Saturday, after original opponent Dillian Whyte returned an ‘adverse finding’ in a drug test last week.

Joshua vs Whyte 2 would have been a rematch eight years in the making, with “AJ” having knocked out his fellow Briton in 2015 to avenge an amateur defeat by Whyte. However, Saturday’s rematch at the O2 Arena in London fell through when Whyte, 35, failed a doping test last week. Whyte has maintained his innocence, while it was initially unclear whether Joshua, 33, would still compete on Saturday. But his promoter Eddie Hearn then teased an announcement on Tuesday (8 August), with fans learning that Helenius will replace Whyte.

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Helenius, 39, is a Finnish heavyweight who appeared to retire in October after being knocked out by Deontay Wilder in the first round. However, he returned just last weekend with a TKO win over Mika Mielonen. Meanwhile, Joshua – a former two-time world heavyweight champion – last boxed in April, beating Jermaine Franklin on points at the O2 to bounce back from two straight losses to Oleksandr Usyk. Follow live updates below.

Watch Joshua vs Helenius live on Dazn by clicking here. We may earn commission from some of the links in this article, but we never allow this to influence our content. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.

Anthony Joshua vs Robert Helenius news LIVE

• Joshua to fight Finland’s Robert Helenius on short notice

• Joshua was due to box Dillian Whyte on Saturday

• Whyte returned ‘adverse finding’ in drug test last week

• Joshua and Helenius go in-depth on boxing’s doping ‘problem'

• Comment: It’s time to stop taking AJ for granted

• ‘Have you got a problem with me?’ AJ asks Helenius at weigh-in

• Helenius’s record and key fights so far in his career

Joshua vs Helenius: T-minus 23 hours

Friday 11 August 2023 18:03 , Alex Pattle

The first fight of the night will take place shortly after 5pm BST on Saturday, so we’re about 23 hours away from the start of the Joshua vs Helenius card.

The main card will then kick off at 7pm BST, with ring walks for the main event due at around 10pm BST.

Our live coverage of the entire event starts at 5pm BST, and we’ll have you covered all the way up to the final punch – and beyond!

Until then...

What time does Joshua vs Helenius start this weekend?

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

Friday 11 August 2023 21:55 , 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’

Campbell Hatton discusses Tom Ansell fight on eve of ‘toughest test’ yet

Friday 11 August 2023 17:08 , Alex Pattle

Another excerpt from our interview with Campbell Hatton today. Here he is discussing his fight with Tom Ansell tomorrow:

“I think it’s the perfect step-up really. I think I would be capable at even a level above [this], but we’ve seen how I’ve been performing – especially the last four or five fights where we’ve been getting them stoppages and winning quite comfortably.

“We want to get those rounds and experience under my belt before I fight for a title, and Ansell’s definitely gonna make me work for the win. I think it’s gonna bring the best out of me, when I get an opponent who’s gonna come to win.

“We’ve prepared for the toughest test of my career, but I think we’re gonna see the best version of Campbell Hatton.”

Read and watch the interview in full, here:

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

Glove row? Helenius reportedly unhappy ahead of Joshua fight

Friday 11 August 2023 16:30 , Alex Pattle

Hmm, hang on a moment...

Indy Sport contributor Declan Taylor has heard about a potential glove row...

Frank Warren: Anthony Joshua is ‘liable to lose to anybody at the moment'

Friday 11 August 2023 16:05 , Alex Pattle

Some harsh words about Anthony Joshua from Frank Warren, as you’d expect.

Tyson Fury’s promoter told William Hill today: “Joshua is liable to get beaten by anybody at the moment; if anybody hits him on the chin, he will go.

“When you watch him now, as he’s throwing a shot – and he’s a big puncher – he’s pulling back and away, because he wants to get out of range.

“He’s terrified of the counter.”

Joshua vs Helenius weigh-ins LIVE

Friday 11 August 2023 15:45 , Alex Pattle

Joshua vs Helenius weigh-ins LIVE

Friday 11 August 2023 15:07 , Alex Pattle

Joshua vs Helenius weigh-ins LIVE

Friday 11 August 2023 14:35 , Alex Pattle

Joshua vs Helenius weigh-ins LIVE

Friday 11 August 2023 14:20 , Alex Pattle

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

Joshua vs Helenius weigh-ins LIVE

Friday 11 August 2023 13:53 , Alex Pattle

“Have you got a problem with me?” Joshua appears to ask Helenius. “No, seriously, is everything alright with you?”

Joshua seems a bit irked, but maybe he’s just trying to get inside his opponent’s head. He calls on the Finn to stay calm, which Helenius seems to be...

Helenius is then asked what was said in the staredown. “Nothing important,” he deadpans, speaking to Dazn.

Joshua: “I appreciate everyone coming out. This is my job, this is what I love doing.”

It’s packed in Westfield, Shepherd’s Bush.

Joshua vs Helenius weigh-ins LIVE

Friday 11 August 2023 13:50 , Alex Pattle

A long, intense staredown...

Both fighters look in good shape, especially Joshua.

Joshua vs Helenius weigh-ins LIVE

Friday 11 August 2023 13:48 , Alex Pattle

Robert Helenius hits the scales at 249.4lbs!

Now here comes Anthony Joshua... 250lbs exactly!

Barely anything to separate these two in terms of weight.

Joshua vs Helenius weigh-ins LIVE

Friday 11 August 2023 13:35 , Alex Pattle

ANOTHER heavyweight fight is official: Derek Chisora vs Gerald Washington. Expect fireworks.

Who is fighting on the Joshua vs Helenius undercard this weekend?

Joshua vs Helenius weigh-ins LIVE

Friday 11 August 2023 13:27 , Alex Pattle

The co-main event, a heavyweight affair between Filip Hrgovic and Demsey McKean, is also made official!

Who is fighting on the Joshua vs Helenius undercard this weekend?

Joshua vs Helenius weigh-ins LIVE

Friday 11 August 2023 13:24 , Alex Pattle

Heavyweights Johnny Fisher and Harry Armstrong tip the scales! Their clash is on.

Who is fighting on the Joshua vs Helenius undercard this weekend?

Joshua vs Helenius weigh-ins LIVE

Friday 11 August 2023 13:19 , Alex Pattle

Campbell Hatton, arriving in a Manchester City top, and Tom Ansell make weight for their super-lightweight bout.

You can read our interview with Campbell, son of British boxing icon Ricky, below. You can also watch our chat at the top of the article:

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

Joshua vs Helenius weigh-ins LIVE

Friday 11 August 2023 13:17 , Alex Pattle

The middleweight clash between George Liddard and Bas Oosterweghel is official!

Liddard dons a West Ham jersey after tipping the scales.

Who is fighting on the Joshua vs Helenius undercard this weekend?

Joshua vs Helenius weigh-ins LIVE

Friday 11 August 2023 13:12 , Alex Pattle

Brandon Scott and Louis Norman are also on weight, ahead of their featherweight bout.

Who is fighting on the Joshua vs Helenius undercard this weekend?

Joshua vs Helenius weigh-ins LIVE

Friday 11 August 2023 13:07 , Alex Pattle

Maisey Rose Courtney and Gemma Ruegg’s super-flyweight clash is official!

Who is fighting on the Joshua vs Helenius undercard this weekend?

Joshua vs Helenius weigh-ins LIVE

Friday 11 August 2023 12:56 , Alex Pattle

The weigh-ins are moments away!

What it’s really like to get punched by Anthony Joshua

Friday 11 August 2023 11:55 , Alex Pattle

“There’s a comparison of hitting something with a sledgehammer, or hitting something with a normal hammer a lot of times – you know, like when you hit a nail,” Frazer Clarke says.

So, which comparison applies to getting punched by Anthony Joshua? Well, both, it turns out.

“[The latter] is what it is with Joshua, then he’ll finish you off with a sledgehammer on the last shot,” Clarke tells The Independent. “Boom!”

Clarke knows what he is talking about, not just as an experienced boxer – unbeaten so far in his professional career – but as one who has first-hand experience of Joshua’s punching power. Clarke, 31, spent years training with “AJ” and followed his fellow Briton’s Olympic triumph at London 2012 with a medal of his own at Tokyo 2020.

Full article:

This is what it’s really like to get punched by Anthony Joshua

Anthony Joshua was at career-heaviest weight in Jermaine Franklin fight

Friday 11 August 2023 11:20 , Alex Pattle

For his clash with Jermaine Franklin in April, Anthony Joshua came in at a career-heaviest weight of 255.4lbs (18.2 stone).

That was 11lbs heavier than the Briton weighed in for his previous fight, his second straight loss to Oleksandr Usyk.

Joshua also outweighed Frankin by 21lbs, and he would go on to beat the American on points at the O2 Arena.

Before Joshua returns to that venue tomorrow, how will his weight compare when he hits the scales today?

We’ll find out in a few hours...

Anthony Joshua hits career-heaviest weight for Jermaine Franklin fight

Exclusive interview - Campbell Hatton on a life immersed in boxing

Friday 11 August 2023 10:40 , Alex Pattle

You can watch our interview with Campbell in full, right here:

Exclusive interview - Campbell Hatton on a life immersed in boxing

Friday 11 August 2023 10:06 , Alex Pattle

“I remember being in the gym at four or five years old,” Campbell Hatton says. “I’ll have been in there sooner; my nana always told me I used to have my nappy changed on the ring apron! I remember watching my dad and uncle train, messing about on the bags myself. There isn’t a time I can remember when boxing wasn’t a part of my life.”

Hatton, son of British boxing icon Ricky, speaks to The Independent about a life immersed in the sport, and his fight with Tom Ansell on the Joshua-Helenius card:

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

Anthony Joshua and Robert Helenius weigh-ins LIVE

Friday 11 August 2023 09:08 , Alex Pattle

Joshua, Helenius and the undercard fighters will be weighing in this afternoon, with weigh-ins starting at 1pm BST.

Interview: Helenius on accepting Joshua fight – ‘Nobody remembers a coward’

Thursday 10 August 2023 20:10 , Alex Pattle

Somewhere in a castle in Finland on Saturday night, five minutes removed from beating Mika Mielonen, Robert Helenius was posed a question. “Dillian Whyte is out; are you in?” Fighting Anthony 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.”

Interview:

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

Anthony Joshua reveals which of his three losses hurt the most

Thursday 10 August 2023 18:25 , Alex Pattle

“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.”

Anthony Joshua reveals which of his three defeats hurt the most

Joshua vs Helenius: More interviews incoming

Thursday 10 August 2023 17:40 , Alex Pattle

The Independent and other publications spoke to Joshua and Helenius yesterday, and you can read the first piece of content from those chats in the article just below.

The rest of what was covered in those interviews will be released later today and tomorrow, with Helenius’s thoughts arriving on The Independent at 8pm BST today, and Joshua’s following at 8pm tomorrow.

We’ll also have an exclusive interview with Campbell Hatton for you tomorrow, ahead of his undercard fight on Saturday.

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

Full Joshua vs Helenius card this weekend

Thursday 10 August 2023 17:00 , Alex Pattle

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)

Who is fighting on the Joshua vs Helenius undercard this weekend?

Joshua vs Helenius odds this weekend

Thursday 10 August 2023 16:23 , Alex Pattle

Joshua – 1/18

Helenius – 25/1

Draw – 17/2

Full odds via Betfair.

What time does Joshua vs Helenius start this weekend?

Thursday 10 August 2023 15:45 , Alex Pattle

Joshua vs Helenius will take place on Saturday 12 August at the O2 Arena in London.

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).

What time does Joshua vs Helenius start this weekend?

How to watch Joshua vs Helenius online and on TV this weekend

Thursday 10 August 2023 15:00 , Alex Pattle

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.

We may earn commission from some of the links in this article, but we never allow this to influence our content. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.

How to watch Joshua vs Helenius online and on TV this weekend

It’s time to stop taking Anthony Joshua for granted

Thursday 10 August 2023 14:40 , Alex Pattle

In recent years, it has become quite fashionable to criticise Anthony 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 here:

It’s time to stop taking Anthony Joshua for granted

Derek Chisora calls for severe bans for doping cheats

Thursday 10 August 2023 11:22 , Alex Pattle

“Boxing is already a hard, hard sport without people taking drugs,” Derek Chisora said yesterday, ahead of his undercard fight with Gerald Washington on Saturday.

“I think they should put a new rule in now. If you get caught, this is for the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC), it’s going to have to be a 10-year ban straight away.”

Derek Chisora and Robert Helenius call for severe punishments for doping cheats

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

Thursday 10 August 2023 10:30 , Alex Pattle

Robert Helenius references Tyson Fury and Alexander Povetkin as high-profile heavyweights to have tested positive for a banned substance before returning to the sport, with both men boxing on the biggest stage thereafter. “How is this possible?” Helenius asks, incredulously. “Either they should legalise everything for everybody, or have the same standard for everybody.

“Of course it feels like I’m at a disadvantage, because I don’t have that luxury of doing that stuff – because they come to my home to do my blood tests and everything, all the time. It’s not fair, but who said that life should be fair?

“My doping is: I have a really high level of Viking blood in me!”

More here, including Joshua’s thoughts on boxing’s doping ‘problem’:

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

Campbell Hatton in action on Joshua vs Helenius undercard

Thursday 10 August 2023 10:11 , Alex Pattle

Campbell Hatton, son of British boxing icon Ricky, will fight on the Joshua vs Helenius undercard this weekend.

Campbell, 22, takes on Tom Ansell at super-lightweight in a bid to improve his 12-0 (5 KOs) record.

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

Wednesday 9 August 2023 20:05 , Alex Pattle

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

The 39-year-old Finn is the biggest – perhaps only – beneficiary in this week’s saga, which has seen Dillian Whyte return an ‘adverse finding’ in a drug test, causing him to be pulled from his main event with Anthony Joshua. Helenius, on seven days’ notice, will now fight Joshua at London’s O2 Arena on Saturday, 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.”

Joshua, 33, also plays down suggestions that he might be ‘disgusted’ with Whyte, or even just ‘angry’. Remarkably, the Briton is generous enough to give some fighters the benefit of the doubt. “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. I don’t wish Dillian any bad. His reputation is tarnished, it’s not good for him.”

Full article:

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

Joshua vs Helenius press conference LIVE

Wednesday 9 August 2023 16:24 , Alex Pattle

Anthony Joshua did not want to let people down in accepting opponent change

Joshua vs Helenius press conference LIVE

Wednesday 9 August 2023 15:00 , Alex Pattle

Joshua vs Helenius press conference LIVE

Wednesday 9 August 2023 14:44 , Alex Pattle

Chisora: “I think there should be a new rule now: If you get caught taking any [banned substance], it’s gonna have to be a 10-year ban straight away.

“Because... how about you hit that kid and he dies? What are you gonna do?”

Joshua vs Helenius press conference LIVE

Wednesday 9 August 2023 14:42 , Alex Pattle

Chisora on Whyte’s failed drug test: “Boxing is already a hard-enough sport to fight somebody’s kid when you’re not on drugs.”

Joshua vs Helenius press conference LIVE

Wednesday 9 August 2023 14:16 , Alex Pattle

The talking is done! The fighters are facing off for the first time this week.

There will be another face-off at Friday’s weigh-in, before the heavyweights come to blows on Saturday night.

Joshua vs Helenius press conference LIVE

Wednesday 9 August 2023 14:14 , Alex Pattle

Here’s another look at Saturday’s card in full:

Who is fighting on the Joshua vs Helenius undercard this weekend?

Joshua vs Helenius press conference LIVE

Wednesday 9 August 2023 14:13 , Alex Pattle

Joshua: “Helenius fought on Saturday. He’s doing the right thing; as a fighter, you have to [fight as often as possible].

“It’d be silly to underestimate Helenius or anyone. Credit to him: He’s come to roll the dice, to win.

“He wants to win, so good luck to him, and shoutout to everyone in Finland as well. We’re looking to combine the countries and bring some good entertainment.”

Joshua vs Helenius press conference LIVE

Wednesday 9 August 2023 14:11 , Alex Pattle

Joshua: “The objective remains the same, victory by any means. There’s no overtime in boxing, so I’ve got to be on my A-game and inflict pain.”

Joshua vs Helenius press conference LIVE

Wednesday 9 August 2023 14:10 , Alex Pattle

Joshua: “I didn’t want to let anyone down. Late replacements aren’t ideal, but a long career will present these kinds of obstacles. This is just another rock in my shoe on the way to the top of the mountain.”

Joshua vs Helenius press conference LIVE

Wednesday 9 August 2023 14:09 , Alex Pattle

“The only thing different is you have to change the trajectory of the punch,” James says, with Helenius being a taller opponent than Whyte.

Joshua vs Helenius press conference LIVE

Wednesday 9 August 2023 14:09 , Alex Pattle

Joshua’s coach Derrick James: “Finding it out [about Whyte’s failed drug test], you realise you have to move forward.

“Robert Helenius is a pretty good fighter, and you’ll be able to see everything AJ has worked on in camp.

“We had a little more time [to prepare for Whyte than we did for Jermaine Franklin earlier this year]. It’s time for us to implement everything we’ve been working on.”

Joshua vs Helenius press conference LIVE

Wednesday 9 August 2023 14:07 , Alex Pattle

Helenius and Joshua sparred in 2017, as “AJ” was preparing for his fight with Wladimir Klitschko – a fight Joshua won with a late knockout.

Joshua vs Helenius press conference LIVE

Wednesday 9 August 2023 14:06 , Alex Pattle

Helenius: “This fight offer came to me five minutes after my fight [last Saturday].

“I was going to go on holiday with my family – not anymore.

“Luckily we had a good training camp behind us, so I feel ready.”

Joshua vs Helenius press conference LIVE

Wednesday 9 August 2023 14:05 , Alex Pattle

Markus Sandmun, Helenius’s manager, got a call about his fighter replacing Whyte on Saturday – the very night that Helenius beat Mika Mielonen in the third round.

Joshua vs Helenius press conference LIVE

Wednesday 9 August 2023 14:01 , Alex Pattle

And we’re under way!

Simon Jordan reveals cancer diagnosis live on radio

Wednesday 9 August 2023 13:58 , Alex Pattle

Eddie Hearn and Simon Jordan went head to head on talkSport again yesterday, with things getting pretty heated.

However, Hearn did wish Jordan all the best after the presenter revealed he is recovering from prostate cancer.

Simon Jordan reveals cancer diagnosis live on radio

Anthony Joshua vs Robert Helenius press conference

Wednesday 9 August 2023 13:54 , Alex Pattle

The press conference is running behind schedule, as these things tend to. Indy Sport has just come out of an interview with Anthony Joshua, and he seems to have another before the press conference starts!

It’s time to stop taking Anthony Joshua for granted

Wednesday 9 August 2023 12:48 , Alex Pattle

From our comment piece on Joshua vs Helenius today:

“Eddie Hearn, too, deserves credit for negotiating this messy episode as best as possible. He has quickly found a decent opponent for Joshua, while avoiding the mistakes he made in the fallout of Conor Benn’s failed drug tests last year.

“‘The tests, the results, the substances were very different,’ Hearn said on talkSport on Tuesday morning, comparing the collapse of Benn’s bout with Chris Eubank Jr in October and Whyte’s failed test this week.

“Hearn does not represent Whyte in the way that he does Benn, but nonetheless is trying to learn from the saga of the last 10 months.”

Full article here:

It’s time to stop taking Anthony Joshua for granted

Anthony Joshua to fight Robert Helenius on short notice

Wednesday 9 August 2023 12:46 , Alex Pattle

The Independent is in place at the pre-fight press conference in London. The undercard fighters are speaking at the moment, but Joshua and Helenius are due on stage at 1.30pm BST.

Anthony Joshua to fight Robert Helenius on short notice

Wednesday 9 August 2023 11:35 , Alex Pattle

Here’s a look back at what a tearful Deontay Wilder said after knocking out Robert Helenius 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

Speaking of replacement opponents...

Wednesday 9 August 2023 10:53 , Alex Pattle

Is Michael Chandler being replaced by Justin Gaethje as Conor McGregor’s next opponent?

This is what UFC president Dana White had to say:

Dana White offers update on Conor McGregor opponent amid Justin Gaethje feud

More major fight news...

Wednesday 9 August 2023 10:14 , Alex Pattle

Across the combat-sports pond, Israel Adesanya’s next title defence has been confirmed; the UFC middleweight champion will defend his belt against the controversial Sean Strickland in Sydney next month.

More here:

Israel Adesanya to defend UFC title against controversial contender

It’s time to stop taking Anthony Joshua for granted

Wednesday 9 August 2023 09:45 , Alex Pattle

While the other heavyweights deal with their respective messes, and while Eddie Hearn is tasked with cleaning up what he can, Anthony Joshua has kept things remarkably simple.

Upon learning of Dillian Whyte’s failed test, he reportedly texted Hearn: “I can only imagine the time and effort you and your team have put into organising a fight night. Just to say, sorry about the news. Thank you for all you and Matchroom do for me, it’s appreciated and I never take it for granted.”

Maybe we should stop taking Joshua for granted.

Comment:

It’s time to stop taking Anthony Joshua for granted

Anthony Joshua to fight Robert Helenius on short notice

Wednesday 9 August 2023 09:25 , Alex Pattle

The Joshua vs Helenius press conference will take place this afternoon, and we’ll have you covered with live updates.

Anthony Joshua to fight Robert Helenius on short notice

Wednesday 9 August 2023 09:17 , Alex Pattle

Here’s a reminder of yesterday’s big story:

Anthony Joshua’s new opponent revealed after Dillian Whyte fight cancelled

More fight news: Logan Paul to face Dillon Danis in October

Tuesday 8 August 2023 18:07 , Alex Pattle

This just in: Logan Paul will box Dillon Danis on the undercard of KSI vs Tommy Fury on 14 October.

Technically, Paul vs Danis – an ex-teammate of Conor McGregor who has fought in MMA promotion Bellator – is a second ‘main event’ that night.

Latest odds as Anthony Joshua fights Robert Helenius on short notice

Tuesday 8 August 2023 17:35 , Alex Pattle

Joshua – 1/18

Helenius – 25/1

Draw – 17/2

Full odds via Betfair.

What it’s really like to get punched by Anthony Joshua

Tuesday 8 August 2023 17:16 , Alex Pattle

“There’s a comparison of hitting something with a sledgehammer, or hitting something with a normal hammer a lot of times – you know, like when you hit a nail,” Frazer Clarke says.

So, which comparison applies to getting punched by Anthony Joshua? Well, both, it turns out.

“[The latter] is what it is with Joshua, then he’ll finish you off with a sledgehammer on the last shot,” Clarke tells The Independent. “Boom!”

Clarke knows what he is talking about, not just as an experienced boxer – unbeaten so far in his professional career – but as one who has first-hand experience of Joshua’s punching power. Clarke, 31, spent years training with “AJ” and followed his fellow Briton’s Olympic triumph at London 2012 with a medal of his own at Tokyo 2020.

More here:

This is what it’s really like to get punched by Anthony Joshua

Anthony Joshua to fight Robert Helenius on short notice

Tuesday 8 August 2023 16:35 , Alex Pattle

The main card is due to begin at 7pm BST on Saturday (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).

Anthony Joshua to fight Robert Helenius on short notice

Tuesday 8 August 2023 16:14 , Alex Pattle

Here is Saturday’s card in full (subject to any more late changes!):

• 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 to fight Robert Helenius on short notice

Tuesday 8 August 2023 15:52 , Alex Pattle

More from Hearn on Talksport:

“Not just saying it, but this has been one of the best camps [Joshua] has had in his career. He’s been working so well with Derrick James, and his sparring has been fantastic, and he just said: ‘Who can I fight?’

“We wanted someone who could prepare him for Deontay Wilder, we wanted someone who was credible, we wanted someone who would come to fight.

“And we wanted someone we could do a deal with at pace, and that’s important when you have six days to go to the fight, and we got to Robert Helenius.”

Anthony Joshua to fight Robert Helenius on short notice

Tuesday 8 August 2023 15:36 , Alex Pattle

Hearn, talking to Talksport, on how Joshua will be affected by the decision to take his fight off Dazn’s pay-per-view platform:

“The financial difference to Joshua in this fight is astounding, but he wants to fight. And in terms of non-pay-per-view cards, I think this is one of the strongest we’ve ever done.

“I wasn’t sure whether he would want to fight, but what I got was someone who was desperate to fight.”

Anthony Joshua to fight Robert Helenius on short notice

Tuesday 8 August 2023 14:45 , Alex Pattle

Frank Warren, who accused Eddie Hearn of blocking him from joining the Talksport chat earlier, later did go live on the radio station.

And while the Queensberry promoter was on air, Jordan revealed that it was not Hearn who had denied Warren the chance to weigh in; it was Jordan himself who did that.

Warren said, “I said to your producer, ‘Get me on the phone, and I’ll have that now with Eddie Hearn and ask him if that’s true,’” seemingly referencing Fury vs Usyk talks. “You did not do it, because I got a message back saying he didn’t wanna know.”

Jordan replied: “Hold on, Frank, I’m the one that said to Eddie, ‘Nah, nah, nah.’ If it was your hour Frank, and you were having your say, I wouldn’t let Eddie Hearn ambush you either [...] I also don’t think you would have appreciated it if the roles were reversed.”

Warren responded: “Wouldn’t have bothered me, wouldn’t have bothered me.”

Anthony Joshua to fight Robert Helenius on short notice

Tuesday 8 August 2023 14:21 , Alex Pattle

Here’s a look at the official poster for Joshua vs Helenius:

Anthony Joshua to fight Robert Helenius on short notice

Tuesday 8 August 2023 13:26 , Alex Pattle

Here’s more on Joshua’s text to Hearn upon finding out that Whyte was out of the fight:

“Great Morning. I can only imagine the time and effort you and your team have put into organising a fight night.

“Just to say, sorry about the news. Thank you for all you and Matchroom do for me, it’s appreciated and I never take it for granted.”

Anthony Joshua to fight Robert Helenius on short notice

Tuesday 8 August 2023 13:05 , Alex Pattle

So, after this weekend, when are the next key fights in the heavyweight division?

Oleksandr Usyk defends the unified titles against mandatory challenger Daniel Dubois in Poland on 26 August.

WBC champion Tyson Fury then boxes ex-UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia on 28 October (in a non-title fight).

Between those two bouts, there’s also a rematch between Joe Joyce and Zhilei Zhang in London on 23 September.

Anthony Joshua to fight Robert Helenius on short notice

Tuesday 8 August 2023 12:40 , Alex Pattle

A column on this will come later today, but I’d say Joshua deserves immense credit for his handling of this situation.

There would have been no shame in not fighting this weekend, especially considering how he was burnt by taking a short-notice fight with Andy Ruiz Jr in 2019.

Joshua had more time to prepare for that bout than this weekend’s – after Jarrell Miller’s failed drug test at the time – and it still didn’t go to plan for AJ, who lost via TKO.

Anthony Joshua to fight Robert Helenius on short notice

Tuesday 8 August 2023 12:21 , Alex Pattle

Joshua has not stopped working, it seems, in spite of the lack of clarity across the last few days.

He now has that clarity, however, in the form of a 12-round fight with Robert Helenius this weekend.

Anthony Joshua to fight Robert Helenius on short notice

Tuesday 8 August 2023 12:08 , Alex Pattle

Hearn says Joshua’s reaction to the news of Whyte’s drug test was, via text: “Just to say sorry about the news. Thank you for all that you and Matchroom do for me. I don’t take it for granted.”

Joshua also reportedly acknowledged the work that goes into Matchroom putting together a fight night.

Anthony Joshua to fight Robert Helenius on short notice

Tuesday 8 August 2023 12:07 , Alex Pattle

Hearn: “On Saturday, you are going to see one of the greatest heavyweights of our modern generation.”

Just to be clear, he is talking about Joshua!

Anthony Joshua to fight Robert Helenius on short notice

Tuesday 8 August 2023 12:02 , Alex Pattle

Frank Warren wants to get involved...

Anthony Joshua to fight Robert Helenius on short notice

Tuesday 8 August 2023 12:00 , Alex Pattle

Hearn and Simon Jordan are still going back and forth on Talksport.

Prior to Hearn arriving in the studio, Jordan made a significant announcement about his personal life:

Simon Jordan reveals cancer diagnosis live on radio

Anthony Joshua to fight Robert Helenius on short notice

Tuesday 8 August 2023 11:50 , Alex Pattle

Here’s a look back at Joshua’s last fight, as his first outing under his new coach Derrick James secured him a win but not in the most impressive fashion:

Anthony Joshua labours towards confusing future

Anthony Joshua to fight Robert Helenius on short notice

Tuesday 8 August 2023 11:34 , Alex Pattle

With his win over Mika Mielonen last weekend, Helenius improved his professional record to 32-4 (21 KO wins, 3 KO losses).

His most notable opponents, alongside Deontay Wilder, have been Dillian 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 to fight Robert Helenius on short notice

Tuesday 8 August 2023 11:30 , Alex Pattle

Following the drastic change to Saturday’s main event, Matchroom is offering refunds to fans who do not wish to attend Joshua vs Helenius. Those who do wish to attend the event will see their original tickets honoured.

Anthony Joshua to fight Robert Helenius on short notice

Tuesday 8 August 2023 11:16 , Alex Pattle

Eddie Hearn on why Joshua vs Whyte was pulled immediately, unlike when Conor Benn tested positive before his fight with Chris Eubank Jr in October (a bout that was eventually cancelled):

“The tests, the results, the substances were very different,” plus, “that was a co-promotion, this was purely Matchroom.”

Hearn adds that Eubank Jr was originally content to fight Benn in spite of the latter’s failed drug tests, while Joshua was not open to facing Whyte in this instance.

Anthony Joshua to fight Robert Helenius on short notice

Tuesday 8 August 2023 11:09 , Alex Pattle

Wilder was in tears after knocking out Helenius 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?” Wilder asked.

“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?”

Deontay Wilder gives tearful press conference after Robert Helenius KO

Anthony Joshua to fight Robert Helenius on short notice

Tuesday 8 August 2023 11:05 , Alex Pattle

Finland’s Helenius last fought in October, suffering a first-round knockout loss to Deontay Wilder.

Helenius, 39, appeared to retire after that fight, but he returned just last weekend with a TKO win over Mika Mielonen in Finland.

Deontay Wilder returns with emphatic first-round KO of Robert Helenius

Anthony Joshua’s new opponent revealed LIVE

Tuesday 8 August 2023 10:52 , Alex Pattle

Anthony Joshua: “This wasn’t in the script. I respect Helenius and may I say, I respect any male or female who steps into the ring.

“I am laser-focused on the win. I can make steps forward to bigger and better things, but the road map has a checkpoint, Saturday night. May the best man win.”

Robert Helenius: “I am excited. 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!”

Anthony Joshua’s new opponent revealed LIVE

Tuesday 8 August 2023 10:48 , Alex Pattle

Official! Robert Helenius is replacing Dillian Whyte against Anthony Joshua this weekend!

Anthony Joshua’s new opponent revealed LIVE

Tuesday 8 August 2023 10:42 , Alex Pattle

Is it the right decision if Joshua does indeed fight this weekend?

He has his eyes on a seismic fight with Deontay Wilder, which is in the works for early next year in Saudi Arabia, and Joshua will want to have some ring time before then.

A rematch with Whyte would have been a good test for AJ, before a potential clash with Wilder, but it seems Joshua believes that any competition this weekend is better than none.

Perhaps there’s even time for another fight later this year, if Joshua wants it.

His last fight was fairly recent, admittedly, when he outpointed Jermaine Franklin in April, and it was the Briton’s first bout under coach Derrick James. So, for Joshua, any activity between now and a fight with Wilder is not only about keeping sharp – it’s also about working more with James.

Anthony Joshua’s new opponent revealed LIVE

Tuesday 8 August 2023 10:35 , Alex Pattle

Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn is due to speak on Talksport at 11am today, with his company Matchroom having teased news around Saturday’s event. We’ll keep you covered with all the latest around Joshua’s expected new fightm and what Hearn has to say.

Anthony Joshua’s new opponent revealed LIVE

Tuesday 8 August 2023 10:32 , Alex Pattle

Whyte has vowed to prove his innocence after returning “adverse analytical findings” in the doping test that led to the cancellation of his bout against Joshua this week.

Whyte wrote on his social-media channels at the weekend: “I am shocked and devastated to learn of a report by VADA 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.”

Whyte served a two-year drugs ban from 2012 to 2014 and was cleared of a doping violation in 2019, after UK Anti-Doping concluded the levels in his sample were “very low” and he was ultimately not to blame.

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

Anthony Joshua’s new opponent revealed LIVE

Tuesday 8 August 2023 10:27 , Alex Pattle

Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte’s highly-anticipated second fight was cancelled on Saturday, after Whyte returned “adverse analytical findings” during a random anti-doping test, according to promoter Eddie Hearn and Matchroom.

Whyte has categorically denied that he took the reported substance and has asked for time to prove his innocence.

The Voluntary Anti-Doping Association said it had informed the Association of Boxing Commissions and the British Boxing Board of Control that a “random anti-doping protocol” undertaken by Whyte had returned the result, leading to the bout being called off and an investigation being launched.

Matchroom said: “In light of this news, the fight will be cancelled, and a full investigation will be conducted. Further information on the event will follow.”

The bout was due to take place at the O2 Arena in London.

Anthony Joshua vs Dillian Whyte fight cancelled after anti-doping test

Anthony Joshua’s new opponent revealed LIVE

Tuesday 8 August 2023 10:21 , Alex Pattle

Anthony Joshua is expected to fight a new opponent on Saturday, after opponent Dillian Whyte returned an ‘adverse finding’ in a drug test last week.

Joshua vs Whyte 2 would have been a rematch eight years in the making, with “AJ” having knocked out his fellow Briton in 2015 to avenge an amateur defeat by Whyte. However, Saturday’s rematch at the O2 Arena in London fell through when Whyte, 35, failed a doping test last week.

Whyte has maintained his innocence, while it was initially unclear whether Joshua, 33, would still compete on Saturday. But now his promoter Eddie Hearn has teased an announcement this morning (8 August), with fans expecting to hear that AJ will be fighting a fresh opponent.

The former two-time world heavyweight champion last boxed in April, beating Jermaine Franklin on points at the O2 to bounce back from two straight losses to Oleksandr Usyk. The unbeaten Ukrainian beat Joshua on points in 2021 to take the unified heavyweight titles, before retaining them against the Briton with another decision win in August 2022.

Follow live updates right here as Joshua’s new opponent is named.