BOXING fans are up in arms after Robert Helenius was drafted in as a late replacement to fight Anthony Joshua.
AJ had been scheduled to fight Dillian Whyte before the Bodysnatcher failed a drug test.
Andy Ruiz Jr. threw his hat in the ring to fight Joshua while Deontay Wilder’s training partner Gerald Washington was also rumoured to be a potential opponent.
But Eddie Hearn confirmed it is Helenius who will step into the ring at the O2 Arena on Saturday, despite the 39-year-old fighting just three days ago.
The Finn beat Mika Mielonen but in his previous clash against one of the world’s best – Wilder – he lasted just one round before he was brutally knocked out.
Helenius’ record includes defeats to Whyte and Washington in recent years, and many fight fans are furious he has been picked to face Joshua.
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One wrote: “Helenius when Ruiz wanted the smoke is an absolute joke.”
Another added: “Pathetic. Imagine paying for tickets, travel, and hotel only to be served up this nonsense. Refunds should be given.
“Boxing has been on a downward trajectory and it continues on that journey. @EddieHearn et al should be embarrassed.”
A third said: “Another dead rubber, I won’t be watching. He’s just going into the ring to get knocked out and get a pay day. How can you seriously expect to win when you fought 3 days ago?”
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And another commented: “This fight is an absolute joke. I’m sure Eddie was saying recently how finished Helenius is.”
The fight is no longer pay-per-view but Hearn has defended Helenius’ selection, labelling him a “credible” opponent.
The promoter said: “You go into the wild west of who wants it, who doesn’t.
“We wanted someone credible, who would come to fight, who we could do a deal with at pace. He’s had big wins and got chinned by Wilder. He boxed on Saturday and got a knockout.”
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Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
