Matthew McConaughey's Spoken Recap of the Article
Anthony Joshua is set to face Robert Helenius in a heavyweight boxing match this weekend at the O2 Arena. The fight was originally scheduled against Dillian Whyte, but was cancelled after Whyte failed a drugs test. Eddie Hearn, Joshua's promoter, has been working to find a replacement opponent since then.
Joshua's New Opponent
Heavyweight fighters Filip Hrgovic, Derek Chisora, Demsey McKean, and Gerald Washington were all considered as potential opponents, but Helenius, who has previously fought Whyte and Chisora, was ultimately chosen. Despite being knocked out by Deontay Wilder last year in just one round, Helenius bounced back with a win last weekend.
Joshua's Recent Matches
Joshua is coming off an uninspiring points win over Jermaine Franklin in April. He will be aiming for a KO win against Helenius. Joshua's last knockout victory was in December 2020 against Kubrat Pulev. Since then, he lost two title bouts against Oleksandr Usyk.
When and Where is the Fight?
The Joshua vs Helenius fight will take place on Saturday, August 12 at the O2 Arena in London. The main card is set to start at 7pm BST, with the ring-walks for the main event likely to begin around 10.30pm BST.
Why Was the Dillian Whyte Fight Cancelled?
The fight between Joshua and Whyte was cancelled due to Whyte failing a drugs test. Matchroom, the Association of Boxing Commissions, and the British Boxing Board of Control were informed by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) about the adverse results. A full investigation will be conducted.
How Can I Watch Joshua vs Helenius?
The fight will be broadcasted on DAZN in the UK. Originally planned as a DAZN PPV event, the decision has been made to include the Helenius fight in the standard subscription. Subscribers can choose between a monthly subscription for £9.99 or an upfront fee of £99.99 for the whole year. The fight can also be live streamed through the DAZN app on mobile or tablet devices. Additionally, Sky will provide coverage through channel 429.
Joshua vs Helenius Full Card
- Anthony Joshua vs Robert Helenius
- Derek Chisora vs Gerald Washington
- Filip Hrgovic vs. Demsey McKean
- Johnny Fisher vs. Harry Armstrong
- George Liddard vs. Radek Rousal
- Maisey Rose Courtney vs. Gemma Ruegg
- Campbell Hatton vs. Tom Ansell
What Have They Said?
"This wasn't in the script," said Joshua. "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 roadmap has a checkpoint, Saturday night. May the best man win."
"I am excited about fighting Anthony Joshua on August 12," said Helenius. "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!"
