Anthony Joshua opponent Robert Helenius fails drug test taken before knockout defeat after returning ‘adverse analytical finding’ two weeks on from bout
- Helenius was knocked out by Joshua after seven rounds in London on August 12
- Two weeks on from the fight the 39-year-old has returned an adverse finding
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Robert Helenius failed a drug test taken on the eve of his knockout defeat against Anthony Joshua earlier this month, with the Finnish heavyweight returning an ‘adverse analytical finding’ two weeks on from the bout.
Joshua floored Helenius, who stepped in as a last-minute replacement for Dillian Whyte after the British fighter failed a drug test of his own on the week of his scheduled rematch with AJ, to the point of no return in the seventh round at London’s O2 Arena on August 12.
Yet after replacing Whyte to save the show, Matchroom has now announced that Helenius also returned an adverse finding the day before the fight. The promotion says it was only made aware of the result on Friday.
A Matchroom statement read: ‘Today, the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) has informed Matchroom and the British Boxing Board of Control that Robert Helenius has returned an adverse analytical finding as part of a random anti-doping protocol.
‘Helenius was voluntarily tested on Friday, 11 August before the heavyweight fighter’s defeat by Anthony Joshua in London on Saturday, 12 August. The result was made known to Matchroom today.
Robert Helenius failed a drug test taken on the eve of his defeat against Anthony Joshua
‘Matchroom defers to the relevant regulatory authorities on next steps. We vehemently continue to support voluntary anti-doping testing. We are committed to promoting a clean and fair sport for all athletes.
‘We will not be making any further comment.’
Joshua was due to settle his long-time rivalry with Whyte before his arch-nemesis returned an adverse finding just days out from their rematch in London.
