Anthony Joshua vs. Robert Helenius


Anthony Joshua vs. Robert Helenius, professional boxing match contested between former WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua and Robert Helenius. The bout took place on 12 August 2023 at The O2 Arena, with Joshua winning by knockout in the seventh round.
The bout was originally scheduled as Dillian Whyte vs. Anthony Joshua II, a rematch of the 12 December 2015 bout. This was cancelled and Helenius replaced Whyte after Whyte returned a positive drug test conducted by the voluntary anti-doping agency.
The bout took place on 12 August 2023 at The O2 Arena in London, England. Joshua defeated Helenius via knockout in the 7th round.

Background

Following Joshua's unanimous decision victory against Jermaine Franklin in April 2023, Joshua stated that he plans to have one more bout before his rumoured bout with Deontay Wilder in Saudi Arabia. On 6 July 2023 it was announced that Joshua would rematch Dillian Whyte on 12 August at The O2 Arena in London, England on DAZN PPV. On 5 August, it was announced that Whyte returned a positive drug test conducted by the voluntary anti-doping agency. A number of individuals such as Gerald Washington and Derek Chisora were considered to replace Whyte. Helenius was announced on 8 August 2023 as the replacement fighter.
After Whyte's removal from the card, the fight was made free-to-air.

The fight

After boxing relativity tentatively for the first six round, Joshua scored a one punch knockout in the 7th, with a double feint followed by a right sending the Finn to the canvas, with referee Victor Loughlin stopping the bout without completing a count.

Aftermath

After the bout there was immediately talk of a long awaited bout between Joshua and fellow former heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder, possibly in January 2024.
Helenius failed a drug test following the fight and was provisionally suspended. In July 2024 he was given a two-year ban by UK Anti-Doping. He tested positive for clomifene, although the boxer denied intentional doping and blamed the consumption of contaminated egg and chicken. The ban was backdated to when he was first provisionally suspended meaning he will be eligible to fight again on 18 September 2025.