29 August 2023 , 18:52
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Anthony Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn has released the former champion's first comments on Robert Helenius' failed drug test after the Finnish heavyweight tested positive for a banned substance.
Joshua was due to face Dillian Whyte earlier this month before his fellow Brit returned adverse analytical findings in his random drugs test prior to the bout. Helenius was drafted in on short notice having won his boxing comeback a week prior against Mika Mielonen in his home country.
The giant Finn gave Joshua a tough test for the opening six rounds of their fight before the two-time heavyweight champion blasted him with a right hand that saw the referee immediately wave off the contest. And days later, it emerged that Helenius had also tested positive for a banned substance in a pre-fight test that was analysed after the fight.
After telling the Matchroom Boxing YouTube channel that Joshua wanted the statement out, Hearn read the following from a text exchange between the two: "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 and Helenius have denied that they knowingly took any performance enhancing drugs, with Helenius saying in a statement: "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."
Anthony Joshua knocked out Robert Helenius in the seventh round of their heavyweight fightIn a statement released on Friday, Joshua's promoter Matchroom said: "Today, the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) hos 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."
Whyte released a lengthy statement after his fight had been cancelled with Joshua, saying: "I am shocked and devastated to learn of a report by VADA of adverse findings relating to me. I only learned of it this morning and am still reacting to it. I have also just seen that the fight is being cancelled without having any chance to demonstrate my innocence before the decision was taken.
"I can confirm without a shadow of doubt that I have not taken the reported substance, in this camp or at any point in my life. I am completely innocent and ask to be given the time to go through the process of proving this without anybody jumping to conclusions or a trial by media.
"I insisted on 24/7 VADA testing for this fight, as I have done voluntarily and at my own expense for all of my fights for many, many years. This is not the first time that I have been reported as having an adverse finding for a substance which I have not taken, and as I did last time I will again prove that I am completely innocent.
"In the meantime, all I can do is express my extreme disappointment to boxing fans, who will miss out on what was sure to be a great event."