Finland's Robert "The Nordic Nightmare" Helenius is declared the winner after defeating Poland's Adam Kownacki in a heavyweight bout at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. October 9, 2021.
REUTERS/Steve Marcus/File PhotoLONDON, Aug 8 (Reuters) - Finnish heavyweight Robert Helenius has stepped in at short notice to fight former world champion Anthony Joshua in London on Saturday after Dillian Whyte was ruled out by a dope test.
Promoters Matchroom said on Tuesday the 39-year-old 'Nordic Nightmare', who fought in Finland at the weekend, will face the Briton at London's O2 with the undercard remaining as previously scheduled.
"This wasn't in the script," said Joshua, who lost his WBA, WBO, IBF and IBO belts to Ukraine's Oleksandr Usyk in September 2021.
"Ultimately there is criticism in whatever you do, but I actually think this is a tricky and dangerous fight."
Persons:
Finland's Robert, Poland's Adam Kownacki, Steve Marcus, Robert Helenius, Anthony Joshua, Dillian Whyte, Matchroom, Mika Mielonen, Deontay Wilder, Joshua, Oleksandr Usyk, Whyte, Eddie Hearn, Helenius, Alan Baldwin, Christian Radnedge
Organizations:
Mobile, REUTERS, London's O2, WBC, WBA, WBO, IBF, IBO, Marchroom, Thomson
Locations:
Las Vegas , Nevada, U.S, London, Finland, American, New York