)
Anthony Joshua details why he chose to fight Robert Helenius after Dillian Whyte's withdrawal
British boxer of Nigerian descent Anthony Joshua has explained why he agreed to a last-minute opponent switch for his return to London's O2 Arena this Saturday.
The former heavyweight champion was scheduled to fight Dillian Whyte but "adverse analytical findings" discovered after a VADA drug test meant the fight had to be canceled.
Despite having fought in Finland the previous weekend, six-foot-nine Robert Helenius was named Dillian Whyte's substitute to fight Joshua on Tuesday, four days before the bout.
Anthony Joshua on replacing Dillian Whyte with Robert Helenius
Anthony Joshua explained that he felt a feeling of obligation to continue with the event.
Speaking at a press conference Joshua said, "Yes so I also looked at the undercard as well and I know how much it means for them to compete.
"I know how hard (Matchroom) guys work and not only (Eddie Hearn), all your backroom staff. I didn't want to let anyone down, my coach, DAZN, so it is kind of like a responsibility.
)
"Late replacements are not ideal but it is the third time it has happened. We had it with Kubrat Pulev and (Carlos) Takam, Jarrell Miller and Andy Ruiz Jr so this is what happens.
"A long career will present these type of obstacles and I just have to get used to them. Yeah, this is another rock on my shoe towards the top of the mountain.
"Helenius fought on Saturday, he is doing the right thing. As a fighter, you have to stay busy, you have to stay active and keep expressing your skill because that is the only way to improve.
"Obviously I haven't been fighting, I fought at the start of April (against Jermaine Franklin) but I spent a lot of time in the ring."
)
Helenius will enter the ring for the 37th time, and after falling victim to a nasty knockout loss against Deontay Wilder last October.
Also on the card fan favorite Derek Chisora returns to the location of so many of his memorable victories to take on American Gerald Washington over ten rounds.
IBF Mandatory World Title challenger Filip Hrgovic battles against Australia's undefeated contender Demsey McKean.
Related content
)
17:00 - 02.06.2023
Fury blasts Joshua and Usyk as fight with top contenders' collapses
Fury brands both Joshua and Usyk pu**ies as mega fight collapses again.
)
18:30 - 01.06.2023
UFC Watch Israel Adesanya wrestle hard with Logan Paul
Israel Adesanya shows off grappling techniques against Logan Paul.
)
23:55 - 29.05.2023
UFC Israel Adesanya teams up with Thor God of Thunder
Several months after calling on Sango, Adesanya teams up with Thor Odinson Asgardian God of Thunder.
21:30 - 28.05.2023
Anthony Joshua does not believe Tyson Fury's contract talks
According to Eddie Hearn, Anthony Joshua does not believe Tyson Fury.
)
20:00 - 25.05.2023
UFC Tyson Fury tells Israel Adesanya why he won't be fighting in the Octagon
Despite being friends with Anthony Joshua, Adesanya was cordial when meeting Tyson Fury.
)
09:15 - 03.06.2023
'I'll still f**k your girl' - Anthony Joshua goes crazy in new Instagram post
Anthony Joshua says 'I'll still f**k your girl' in response to talks about fighting Dillian Whyte
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)