Anthony Joshua’s search for a last minute opponent produced an interesting result.
The former heavyweight champion will face longtime contender Robert Helenius on Saturday at O2 Arena in London even though Helenius fought last weekend, stopping countryman Mika Mielonen in the third round in Finland.
Joshua had been scheduled to face Dillian Whyte in a rematch but Whyte was pulled out of the fight after failing a drug test.
“This wasn’t in the script,” Joshua said, according to the BBC. “I am laser focused on the win.”
Helenius, 39, was knocked out by Deontay Wilder in the first round in his previous fight, in October. He hit the jackpot by landing a fight against a major star on short notice.
And if he can pull off an upset, more lucrative matchups will follow.
“I am a true Viking that is willing to face any challenge at a moment’s notice,” Helenius said. “This is not an opportunity I was going to let slip away. I plan to make the most of it.”
Joshua (25-3, 22 KOs) is expected to face Wilder if he gets past Helenius, probably early next year.
