Boxing

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.
Robert Helenius has stepped in to replace Dillian Whyte at the O2 ArenaCredit: Getty
The 6ft 6in Finn will face Anthony Joshua this Saturday despite his last fight being just four days agoCredit: Getty
Robert Helenius beat Mika Mielonen in his homeland last Saturday in a bout that had a unique settingCredit: Twitter
That victory occurred in the Olavinlinna Castle in Savonlinna, FinlandCredit: Getty
Robert Helenius (32-5) successfully returns to the ring and stops Mika Mielonen (6-1) in their heavyweight main event with a TKO in Round 3 in Savonlinna, Finland. 🇫🇮 pic.twitter.com/ony2O0QBBF— Permante (@PermantexG) August 5, 2023

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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🥊 Anthony Joshua vs Robert Helenius: How to watch, UK start time, live stream details 🥊
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!”
The 39-year-old was KO’d in the first by Deontay Wilder last year

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ANTHONY JOSHUA’S recurring bad dream has been saved by the Nordic Nightmare.Sweden-born Finn Robert Helenius has accepted the last-minute challenge to replace Dillain Whyte and fight the London 2012 Olympic legend on Saturday, after a second doping disaster wrecked another show.
Anthony Joshua’s new opponent for Saturday night has been revealedCredit: Getty
He will fight veteran Finnish star Robert HeleniusCredit: Getty
The 39-year-old was KOed in the first by Deontay Wilder last yearCredit: The Mega Agency
Helenius returned to the ring just three days ago and will now fight twice within a weekCredit: AFP
The sold-out O2 card was in serious danger of getting cancelled as a handful of approached opponents priced themselves out of facing the 33-year-old Brit.
But 39-year-old Helenius – who is in fine form and confidence after a KO win just FOUR days ago – has snapped up the opportunity.
AJ supposedly has a £47million Deontay Wilder showdown booked for the Spring in Saudi Arabia, so couldn’t face an elite opponent likely to give him a scare.
But Helenius has a controversial 2011 points win over Derek Chisora on his record and took Whyte the distance in a dull 2017 defeat, so is known to UK fans and, at 6ft 6in, looks the part.
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Team AJ made a disastrous error in 2019 when planned opponent 6ft 6in, 23st oaf Jarrell Miller was booted out of the fight for a string of doping offences and they subbed in 5ft 10in rapid-fisted Andy Ruiz who pulled off the shock upset.
A similar mistake cannot be made again and the brutal 40-second knockout Helenius suffered against Wilder in 2022 is an encouraging sign their man will win in explosive fashion.
The two-time world champ said: “This wasn’t in the script.
“I respect Helenius and may I say, I respect any male or female who steps into the ring. 
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🥊 Anthony Joshua vs Robert Helenius: How to watch, UK start time, live stream details 🥊
“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.”
Helenius – who spent time in Sheffield sparring AJ in September 2017 – only needed three rounds to spark Mika Mielonen on August 5.
But is the exact type of huge, orthodox fighter AJ prefers to box, with his weakest performances coming against shorter, hard-to-hit and especially southpaw opponents.
The 32-4 Viking 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!”
Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte’s rematch was axed just days agoCredit: Getty
Whyte has maintained his innocence over the ‘adverse analytical finding’ in his recent voluntary drug testCredit: Getty
AJ now has secured a tune-up fight before he faces a huge challenge in DecemberCredit: Getty
Deontay Wilder lies in wait for Anthony Joshua in Saudi ArabiaCredit: AP

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DEREK CHISORA has hilariously revealed he has the perfect stand-in opponent to face Anthony Joshua – but it is no who you think.AJ’s promoter Eddie Hearn has promised a huge update today on who his big star will take on after Dillian Whyte failed a drug test.
Anthony Joshua is looking for a new opponent after his fight with Dillian Whyte was axedCredit: Getty
Derek Chisora has hilariously thrown a surprise name into the mixCredit: PA
Joshua and Whyte II was scheduled for August 12 before it was axed following an “adverse analytical finding” in one of the Body Snatcher’s recent voluntary drug tests.
Whyte has protested his innocence but it could take months for the boxer to prove he did nothing wrong.
In the meantime Hearn is searching for a new opponent for Joshua and one could be announced today.
Former unified heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz Jr threw his hat into the ring for a trilogy fight with Joshua and Chisora has publicly campaigned to fight his long-time pal.
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And many were expecting the veteran British star, 39, to continue that crusade to land himself one last hefty payday as he posted a video on Twitter yesterday.
However, the Londoner was accompanied in the gym by somebody else who claimed they were ready for action.
“Eddie, I’ve got a replacement for you for AJ’s fight. I’ve got THE replacement for you for AJ’s fight,” declared Chisora.
“You don’t wanna know. This guy will take AJ anytime and anywhere…”
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Chisora then spins the camera to reveal that he was alongside Hasbulla rival and Bigg Boss star Abdu Rozik.
“Are you ready to fight AJ,” Del Boy asked the three feet and one inch tall Tajikistan singer, actor, blogger and boxer, who had gloves on and his robe.
Rozik, 19, then slides his finger across the front of his throat and declares: “I am ready” before unleashing a couple of shadow punches.
Chisora then added: “AJ, he wants to know what are the figures? Are you in or what?”
Rozik then adds “let’s go” before showing off some of his impressive combinations.
Rozik’s small stature is reportedly a result of untreated rickets that he had as a child, which is a growth hormone deficiency that leads to stunted growth.
He has an estimated net worth is reported to be between $500,000 and $1 million (£402k-8.4k) and has made his money from his TV appearances as well as his songs.
Del Boy threw Abdu Rozik’s name into the hat after meeting him at the gym yesterdayCredit: twitter @DerekWarChisora
The Hasbulla rival and Bigg Boss star stands at just 3ft 1inCredit: Instagram
Although AJ might be a bit too much for him to handle in the ring, there was talk of him pulling on the gloves after his very public “feud” with Hasbulla Magomedov in 2021.
A viral video of their clash had fans believing that an official fight between the two would be announced.
However, Hasbulla dashed all hopes of a fight with Abdu, he said: “Yes some people want to organise it but they won’t be able to because it is too expensive and not too many people will be able to pay for it.”
Robert Helenius is the current frontrunner to win the lucrative AJ sweepstake.
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The Finn, 39, only fought on Saturday, knocking out Mika Mielonen.
He lost inside a round to Deontay Wilder last October.

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EDDIE HEARN has promised a huge update on Anthony Joshua after Dillian Whyte failed a drug test.The promoter acted quickly to cancel their scheduled August 12 bout following an “adverse analytical finding” in one of Whyte’s recent voluntary drug tests.
Eddie Hearn has teased a fight updateCredit: Alamy
Joshua could fight Deontay Wilder’s team-mate Gerald WashingtonCredit: Getty
Dillian Whyte has claimed he is innocent despite failing a drug testCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
Whyte has protested his innocence but it could take months for the boxer to prove he did nothing wrong.
In the meantime Hearn is searching for a new opponent for AJ and one could be announced today.
Hearn teased at Whyte’s replacement, tweeting: “Update tomorrow morning. Stand by 👊”
Former unified heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz Jr has thrown his hat into the ring for a trilogy fight with Joshua.
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Even Derek Chisora has publicly campaigned to fight his long-time pal.
But as SunSport revealed on Saturday night, American Gerald Washington is the current frontrunner to win the lucrative AJ sweepstakes.
Washington, 41, was scheduled to throw down with Chisora on the undercard of the show and would be the ideal replacement.
The Yank’s height and range would be ideal for Joshua to prepare for his long-overdue grudge match with Deontay Wilder.
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Washington is a member of Team Wilder and trains with Bronze Bomber’s head coach Malik Scott.
Joshua, 33, has yet to comment on the cancellation of his second professional showdown with Whyte. More

ANTHONY JOSHUA will learn the identity of his new short-notice opponent later today.AJ was set to renew his feud with Dillian Whyte on Saturday night before a third-career-failed drug test for his long-time rival scuppered the domestic dust-up at The O2.
Anthony Joshua’s rematch with Dillian Whyte was axed last weekendCredit: Reuters
The fight was axed after Whyte returned the third failed drugs test of his careerCredit: PA
Eddie Hearn has worked around the clock to try and find a new opponent for AJCredit: ALAMY
America Gerald Washington is the frontrunner to replace WhyteCredit: GETTY
Promoter Eddie Hearn has worked frantically over the weekend to try and secure a replacement for Whyte, who faces yet another battle to clear his name.
And SunSport understands Matchroom and Joshua’s 258 Management team will finalise his new opponent by the end of play today.
Former unified heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz Jr has thrown his hat into the ring for a trilogy fight with the Watford warrior.
Even old warhorse Derek Chisora has publicly campaigned to fight his long-time pal.
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But as SunSport revealed on Saturday night, American Gerald Washington is the current frontrunner to win the lucrative AJ sweepstakes.
Washington, 41, was scheduled to throw down with Chisora on the undercard of the show and would be the ideal replacement.
The Yank’s height and ranginess would be ideal for Joshua to prepare for his long-overdue grudge match with Deontay Wilder.
Washington is a member of Team Wilder and trains with Bronze Bomber’s head coach Malik Scott.
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The meticulous Scott will no doubt welcome the match-up as it will allow him to get an up-close and personal look at the Brit.
Joshua, 33, has yet to comment on the cancellation of his second professional showdown with Whyte.
Whyte, however, denied intentionally doping hours after the news broke and vowed to clear his name.
The Brixton Body Snatcher said: “I am shocked and devastated to learn of a report by VADA of adverse findings relating to me.
Dillian Whyte has vowed to clear his name after his third failed drugs testCredit: AP
“I only learned of it this morning and am still reacting to it.
“I have also just seen 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 a doubt that I have not take 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.” More