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Robert Helenius Steps In To Face
Anthony Joshua At The O2 This Sat.
Anthony Joshua will face Robert Helenius in a 12-round main
event at The O2 in London this Saturday August 12, shown
exclusively live worldwide on DAZN – with fans now able to
view as part of their regular subscription.
This follows the news that the Voluntary Anti-Doping
Association (VADA) informed Matchroom, the Association of
Boxing Commissions and the British Boxing Board of Control
that Joshua’s original opponent Dillian Whyte had returned
adverse analytical findings as part of a random anti-doping
protocol. As a result, their fight was immediately cancelled
with a full investigation underway.
Saturday’s sold-out event will now be available to watch
worldwide on DAZN via the usual subscription service. Fans
will be able to claim a refund directly for any pay-per-view
pre-orders they had made via DAZN.
On a huge night of Heavyweight action in the Capital, IBF
Mandatory World Title challenger Filip Hrgovic (15-0, 12
KOs) clashes with Australia’s undefeated contender Demsey
McKean (22-0, 14 KOs) for a shot at Ukraine’s unified World
Champion Oleksandr Usyk, two-time World Title challenger and
fan favourite Derek Chisora (33-12, 23 KOs) returns to the
scene of so many of his famous wins to take on America’s
Gerald Washington (20-5-1, 13 KOs) over ten rounds and
Romford sensation Johnny Fisher (9-0, 8 KOs) has the
opportunity to land his first belt when he faces off with
Torquay's Harry Armstrong (5-1-1) for the vacant Southern
Area Title.
Elsewhere on the card, Hyde Super-Lightweight Campbell
Hatton (12-0, 5 KOs) takes on Hitchen's Tom Ansell (10-4, 2
KOs) over eight rounds, Billericay Middleweight prospect
George Liddard (3-0, 3 KOs) goes for another knockout
against Bas Oosterweghel (5-1, 3 KOs), Wales Featherweight
talent Brandon Scott (5-0, 1 KO) makes his Matchroom debut
against Shepshed’s Louis Norman (14-13-1, 2 KOs) and Eltham
Super-Flyweight Maiseyrose Courtney (3-0) faces her toughest
test against Bournemouth’s Gemma Ruegg (7-7, 1 KO).
“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 road
map has a check point, 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!"
Matchroom Sport chairman Eddie Hearn said: “To get the news
on Saturday was really disappointing, not only for us but
for Anthony Joshua and for the fans. But we got to work and
we have done what we’re good at – and we have managed to
keep the show on. AJ has been unbelievable throughout this
whole process. He is someone who is ready to fight having
trained for 12 weeks in Dallas with Derrick James. He has
always been a great pro but this just shows me again the
hunger he has for the sport. He wants to go out there this
Saturday in front of a sold-out crowd at The O2 and perform.
There were a lot of options. But we had to make sure it was
the right fight for the right deal. I think Robert Helenius
is a good fight. Yes, he lost to Deontay Wilder but that was
by a shot that would have probably knocked out a horse! But
he came to fight. He can really punch, he’s 6ft 8in and he
won at the weekend. Ultimately there is criticism in
whatever you do, but I actually think this is a tricky and
dangerous fight."
Alfie Sharman VP DAZN said: “DAZN were incredibly
disappointed about the cancellation of our original main
event on Saturday and are extremely appreciative of the
efforts by all involved to get this new fight across the
line. Robert has been in with some of the best in the
division, and this will be another hard night for Anthony
Joshua. Tune in live and exclusive on DAZN."
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