Anthony Joshua new boxing opponent revealed after Dillian Whyte pulled out
Anthony Joshua is stepping into the right despite Dillian Whyte withdrawing from their fight
Match room have confirmed the Brit will face off against the Finnish heavyweight this weekend.
Helenius is stepping in for Whyte after Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) said he had 'returned adverse analytical findings' as part of a random anti-doping protocol.
Reacting the news, 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.
Robert Helenius will go up against Anthony Joshua this weekend
PA
“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.”
Helenius was in action last weekend, powering his way to vvictory over Mika Mielonen inside thrre rounds having lost to Deontay Wilder last year.
He has also previously been beaten by the likes of Gerald Washington and Johann Duhaupas, too.
Reacting to the confirmation of his fight against Joshua, the 39-year-old 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!"
The fight is scheduled to take place at the 02 Arena, which has been sold out.
Yet fans who had purchased tickets in the hope of seeing Joshua go up against Whyte will be entitled to get refunds if they don't want to watch the weekend's action.
Promoter Eddie Hearn, reacting to news of the fight, 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.
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Dillian Whyte had previously been scheduled to fight Anthony Joshua
PA
"Ultimately there is criticism in whatever you do, but I actually think this is a tricky and dangerous fight."
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