Anthony Joshua vs Robert Helenius: When is the fight, how to watch and undercard line-up

Anthony Joshua will fight 6ft 9in Robert Helenius on Saturday after ‘The Viking’ stepped in at the eleventh hour following the cancellation of the original fight with Dillian Whyte.

The Joshua-Whyte fight was scrapped last week with a full investigation underway over ‘adverse findings’ in Whyte’s voluntary drug’s test. Whyte, whose test was part of random anti-doping protocol, is adamant there is no wrongdoing and said he will clear his name.

When is the fight and at what time?

The main card will get underway at 7pm this Saturday, with the main event ringwalds estimated for 10pm, although that time could change depending on the the length of the fights on the undercard.

Where is it?

The fight will be held at the O2 Arena in London.

How can I watch it in the UK?

The fight will be shown on DAZN in the UK.

Saturday’s sold-out event at The O2 will not be a pay-per-view event as originally scheduled and fight fans will be able 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.

A yearly subscription to DAZN can be purchased for £9.99 per month. Alternatively, you can opt for a flexible subscription of £19.99 per month which is cancellable at any time.

The Joshua will be accessible in the UK via any computer, tablet or smartphone on which the DAZN app can be downloaded. Sky will also carry the fight for DAZN subscribers on channel 429 – the dedicated DAZN channel.

Why was the Dillian Whyte fight cancelled?

Joshua’s original opponent, Dillian Whyte, failed a drugs test in the run-up to the fight, causing its cancellation.

Matchroom released a statement which read: “Today, the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) informed Matchroom, the Association of Boxing Commissions and the British Boxing Board of Control that Dillian Whyte had returned adverse analytical findings as part of a random anti-doping protocol.

“In light of this news, the fight will be cancelled, and a full investigation will be conducted. Further information on the event will follow.”

Alfie Sharman, VP of 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.”

Who is on the undercard?

Other fighters believed to have been in the frame Joshua were Gerald Washington, Dereck Chisora and Demsey McKean, all three of whom are on Saturday night’s bill in London.

On what will be a night dominated by heavyweights, IBF undefeated mandatory challenger Filip Hrgovic meets Australia’s undefeated contender McKean for a shot at Ukraine’s unified world champion Oleksandr Usyk.

Elsewhere, former world title challenger Chisora returns to the arena where he is famous for great fights as he takes on American Washington, while Romford’s Johnny Fisher has the opportunity to claim a first belt when he faces off with Torquay’s Harry Armstrong for the vacant Southern Area title.

• Derek Chisora vs Gerald Washington

• Filip Hrgovic vs. Demsey McKean

• Johnny Fisher vs. Harry Armstrong

• George Liddard vs. Radek Rousal

• Maisey Rose Courtney vs. Gemma Ruegg

• Campbell Hatton vs. Tom Ansell

What have the fighters said?

Anthony Joshua said: “This wasn’t in the script.

“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 checkpoint, Saturday night. May the best man win.”

Helenius, 39, fights out of Finland and has a record of 32 victories and four defeats. He holds notable wins over former world heavyweight champions Lamon Brewster, Samuel Peter and Siarhei Liakhovich. Two of his defeats have come at the hands of Deontay Wilder, the former WBC heavyweight champion, and Whyte. The tall Finn (though born in Sweden) is renowned as a heavy puncher, but he has been stopped three times in his 15-year professional career.

He said: “I am excited about fighting Anthony Joshua on August 12. 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.”

Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Sport chairman, added: “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.”

Hearn added: “We had to make sure it was the right fight for the right deal. I think Robert Helenius is a good fighter. 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 9in 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.”

What are the odds?

• Anthony Joshua 1/16

• Robert Helenius 9/1

• Draw 25/1

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