Anthony Joshua opponent Robert Helenius fails drug take a look at taken earlier than knockout defeat after returning ‘antagonistic analytical discovering’ two weeks on from bout

Robert Helenius failed a drug take a look at taken on the eve of his knockout defeat towards Anthony Joshua earlier this month, with the Finnish heavyweight returning an ‘antagonistic analytical discovering’ two weeks on from the bout.

Joshua floored Helenius, who stepped in as a last-minute alternative for Dillian Whyte after the British fighter failed a drug take a look at of his personal on the week of his scheduled rematch with AJ, to the purpose of no return within the seventh spherical at London’s O2 Area on August 12.

But after changing Whyte to avoid wasting the present, Matchroom has now introduced that Helenius additionally returned an antagonistic discovering the day earlier than the struggle. The promotion says it was solely made conscious of the consequence on Friday.

A Matchroom assertion learn: ‘Right this moment, the Voluntary Anti-Doping Affiliation (VADA) has knowledgeable Matchroom and the British Boxing Board of Management that Robert Helenius has returned an antagonistic analytical discovering as a part of a random anti-doping protocol.

‘Helenius was voluntarily examined on Friday, 11 August earlier than the heavyweight fighter’s defeat by Anthony Joshua in London on Saturday, 12 August. The consequence was made identified to Matchroom right this moment.

Robert Helenius failed a drug take a look at taken on the eve of his defeat towards Anthony Joshua

‘Matchroom defers to the related regulatory authorities on subsequent steps. We vehemently proceed to assist voluntary anti-doping testing. We’re dedicated to selling a clear and truthful sport for all athletes. 

‘We is not going to be making any additional remark.’ 

Joshua was attributable to settle his long-time rivalry with Whyte earlier than his arch-nemesis returned an antagonistic discovering simply days out from their rematch in London.