ANTHONY JOSHUA’S last-minute opponent Robert Helenius fought in a CASTLE just four days ago.
The Sweden-born Finn has agreed to step in and accept the Brit’s challenge to replace Dillain Whyte and fight the London 2012 Olympic legend on Saturday.
That was after a second doping disaster wrecked another show for Eddie Hearn.
Amazingly, Helenius was last in action at the weekend, and even more stunningly that bout took place in a castle.
The 32-5 fighter stopped Mika Mielonen with a TKO in Round 3 in at Olavinlinna in Savonlinna, Finland.
Olavinlinna is actually a 15th-century three-tower castle and is built on an island in the Kyronsalmi strait which connects the lakes of Haukivesi and Pihlajavesi.
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As well as hosting that boxing event, the castle also stages the Savonlinna Opera Festival, which was held there for the first time in 1912.
Helenius is also already known to UK fans ahead of his date in front of a sold-out O2 Arena.
The 39-year-old secured a controversial 2011 points win over Derek Chisora and then took Whyte the distance in a dull 2017 defeat.
But the 6ft 6in is perhaps better known for the outing he had prior to his victory over Mielonen.
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Helenius suffered a brutal 40-second knockout against Deontay Wilder in 2022.
But despite only having a couple of days to prepare, he is adamant that he can shock the world and derail AJ ahead of the Watford-born ace’s mega-fight with Wilder in December.
He said: “I am excited about fighting Anthony Joshua on August 12.
“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!”
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Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
