On Saturday, Anthony Joshua is set to face Robert Helenius due to a last-minute change in plans. The anticipated rematch between Joshua and his original opponent, Dillian Whyte, was called off after Whyte tested positive for a prohibited substance in a recent drug test. The much-anticipated Joshua vs. Whyte 2 would have marked a significant eight-year rematch, as Joshua aimed to avenge his earlier amateur loss to Whyte by knocking him out in 2015. However, this exciting rematch was canceled as a result of Whyte’s failed drug test. Despite the initial uncertainty surrounding Joshua’s participation on Saturday, his promoter Eddie Hearn hinted at a forthcoming announcement. It was revealed that Robert Helenius will step in to replace Whyte for the bout, which is scheduled to take place at the O2 Arena in London.
But first AJ faces Swedish-born Finn Helenius on Saturday at the O2 Arena on just seven days notice.
Joshua was scheduled to rematch Dillian Whyte until his old rival was withdrawn amid a failed drug test.
Promoter Eddie Hearn was left scrambling to find a substitute to ensure the whole show did not get KO’d.
And they landed on Helenius, who boxed just last weekend in a 15th-century three-tower CASTLE located in Savonlinna.
Anthony Joshua vs. Robert Helenius Fight card
- – Anthony Joshua vs. Robert Helenius; Heavyweight
- – Filip Hrgovic vs. Demsey McKean; Heavyweight
- – Johnny Fisher vs. Harry Armstrong; Heavyweight
- – Derek Chisora vs. Gerald Washington; Heavyweight
- – Campbell Hatton vs. Tom Ansell; Super-lightweight
- – George Liddard vs. Bas Oosterweghel; Middleweight
- – Brandon Scott vs. Louis Norman; Featherweight
- – Maiseyrose Courtney vs. Gemma Ruegg; Super-flyweight
Start time and date
Anthony Joshua vs. Robert Helenius is scheduled to take place on Saturday, August 12, 2023. The main card is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. ET with the main event ringwalks expected to take place at 5 p.m. ET.
Tickets
Tickets to watch this fight at the O2 Arena in London, England are available here.
Live streams
Anthony Joshua vs. Robert Helenius will air on DAZN. Initially, when Jermaine Franklin was still Joshua’s opponent, this event was offered as a PPV product on DAZN. However, the event is now scheduled to air on regular DAZN, requiring only a DAZN subscription to view.
The fight costs $59.99 on both DAZN PPV and ESPN+ PPV. To make that purchase you would need to have a subscription to one of those services. DAZN costs $19.99 a month on a 12-month contract or $24.99 month-to-month.
Anthony Joshua vs. Robert Helenius prediction, best bets
Providing all is well with the world, this fight is over before it even begins. Joshua is younger, fresher, quicker, stronger, and he’s a far better fighter.
Helenius has a respectable record of 32-4 (21 KOs), but each time he’s stepped up in class, he’s been found wanting, and three of his four losses were by knockout. Johann Duhaupas stopped him in six, Erkan Teper took him out in eight, and Deontay Wilder popped his balloon in one.
It’s not a case of if Joshua wins, but when.
As a barometer for how AJ may get the job done here, it’s probably best to look at the Wilder fight. While Joshua doesn’t punch as hard as “The Bronze Bomber”, he still has 22 knockouts in 25 wins and can crack with both hands.
Helenius had a full training camp for Wilder, whereas the 39-year-old only has days to prepare for this one. Joshua has been cautious of late, but he’ll be looking to get things over quickly and put this whole debacle behind him.
Expect AJ to let go with some big bombs and test the late replacement’s chin and ambition very early. A fun bet would be a second-round finish, which is good value right now.