Anthony Joshua breaks silence on opponent Robert Helenius’ failed drug test after seventh-round KO
ANTHONY JOSHUA has broken his silence after Robert Helenius failed a drug test following their fight.
AJ was due to rematch Dillian Whyte – who he beat in 2015 – only for his rival to return adverse findings in doping tests of his own.
So Helenius filled in on just a weeks notice and was brutally knocked out in round seven.
But post-fight tests revealed the Swedish born-Finn also returned an “adverse analytical finding” in his voluntary test taken the day before defeat.
Eddie Hearn read out a message from Joshua, 33, which thanked his promotional company for the testing they provide.
On Matchroom’s YouTube channel, Hearn read out: “Thank you for the extra attention you take making sure all fighters are brought to the light [who are doping].
“Without Matchroom Sport these things are being overlooked.”
Both Whyte, 35, and Helenius, 39, have since denied that they knowingly took any performance enhancing drugs.
And in a statement, Helenius spoke out to claim: “I want to say something very clear in my own words right now with absolutely no exception.
“I did not use any performance enhancement now or ever. I have been tested my entire career.
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“I was just told that I tested positive for the presence of a non-steroid substance in my system and I wanted to send an immediate direct message to Anthony Joshua and boxing fans that I didn’t cheat and never would.
“I volunteer to work with VADA and the BBBofC (British Boxing Board of Control) to do whatever it takes to clear my name.”
A Matchroom statement read: “Today, the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) has Informed Matchroom and the British Boxing Board of Control that Robert Helenius has returned an adverse analytical finding as port of a random anti-doping protocol.
“Helenius was voluntarily tested on Friday, August 11 before the heavyweight fighter’s defeat by Anthony Joshua in London on Saturday, August 12.
“The result was made known to Matchroom today. Matchroom defers to the relevant regulatory authorities on next steps.
“We vehemently continue to support voluntary anti-doping testing. We are committed to promoting a clean and fair sport for all athletes. We will not be making any further comment.”