Dillian Whyte’s latest failed drugs test put a damper on Anthony Joshua‘s fight night plans for August 12. Despite that, the show must go on, so Matchroom Boxing sourced an opponent for the former two-time unified champion on one week’s notice — Robert Helenius.
Joshua vs. Helenius takes place at the O2 Arena in London. The 12-round bout, plus undercard action, will air on DAZN worldwide (not PPV in the U.K. as initially intended).
A 2012 Olympic gold medalist, Joshua beat Charles Martin in 2016 for the IBF heavyweight title. It was his first taste of world title gold but not his last. “AJ” beat Wladimir Klitschko for the vacant WBA belt and Joseph Parker for the WBO title.
The 33-year-old boxer-puncher has gone 3-2 in his last five contests, losing and then regaining championship status in two bouts against Andy Ruiz Jr. before being dethroned by Oleksandr Usyk.
Joshua rebounded with a points win over Jermaine Franklin in April and must get past Helenius to keep his big-fight plans intact.
WATCH: Anthony Joshua vs. Robert Helenius, live on DAZN
“This wasn’t in the script,” said Joshua. “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. I can make steps forward to bigger and better things, but the road map has a checkpoint: Saturday night. May the best man win.”
A former two-time European heavyweight champion, Helenius is 3-1 in his last four fights. After losing to Gerald Washington in 2019, he went on a three-fight win streak, which included an upset over Adam Kownacki in what was the last major boxing bout before the COVID-19 pandemic shut everything down in March 2020. In a rematch with Kownacki in October 2021, Helenius again walked out victorious.
Despite being the top contender for the WBA heavyweight title, Helenius faced former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder in October, losing to “The Bronze Bomber” via first-round knockout. “The Nordic Nightmare” returned to action on Staurday past, beating Mika Mielonen via TKO. The 39-year-old is ready to shock the world heading into this short-notice affair.
“I am excited about fighting Anthony Joshua on August 12,” said Helenius. “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!”
Here’s all you need to know about Joshua and Helenius, with updated times, odds, and card information.
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When is Anthony Joshua vs. Robert Helenius?
Joshua vs. Helenius will be on August 12. The main card starts at 7 p.m. local time, which is 2 p.m. ET. Both fighters should make their way to the ring around 10:15 p.m. BST (5:15 p.m. ET), depending on how long the undercard fights last. Here’s how that translates to different timezones globally:
| Region | Date | Main Card Start Time | Main Event Ring Walks (approx.) |
| USA and Canada (ET) | Saturday, August 12 | 2 p.m. ET | 5:15 p.m. ET |
| USA and Canada (PT) | Saturday, August 12 | 11 a.m. PT | 2:15 p.m. PT |
| UK and Ireland | Saturday, August 12 | 7 p.m. BST | 10:15 p.m. BST |
| Australia | Sunday, August 13 | 4 a.m. AEST | 7:15 a.m. AEST |
How to watch Anthony Joshua vs. Robert Helenius
| Region | TV channel | Live streaming |
| USA | — | DAZN |
| Canada | — | DAZN |
| UK and Ireland | DAZN 1 HD | DAZN |
| Australia | — | DAZN |
The Anthony Joshua vs. Robert Helenius fight card will be available via DAZN. It will no longer be a PPV in the U.K.
WATCH: Anthony Joshua vs. Robert Helenius, live on DAZN
Now available as a Sky channel, DAZN 1 HD is exclusive to Sky.
Anthony Joshua vs. Robert Helenius price: How much does the card cost?
- DAZN monthly subscription: $19.99 on a 12-month contract or $24.99 month-to-month in U.S. / $24.99 per month in Canada / £9.99 in the U.K. on a 12-month contract or £19.99 month-to-month / 13.99 AUD
- DAZN annual subscription: $224.99 in U.S., $199.99 in Canada, £99.99 in the U.K.
Where is Anthony Joshua vs. Robert Helenius?
Joshua vs. Helenius is inside the O2 Arena in London. The arena can hold up to 20,000 people.
Joshua has fought inside the O2 multiple times, his last fight there in April when he beat Jermaine Franklin via unanimous decision.
Betting odds for Anthony Joshua vs. Robert Helenius
In Canada, per Sports Interaction, Anthony Joshua is the -1672 favorite, while Robert Helenius is the +900 underdog.
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Anthony Joshua record and bio
- Nationality: British
- Born: October 15, 1989
- Height: 6-6
- Reach: 82 inches
- Total fights: 28
- Record: 25-3 with 22 wins via knockout
Robert Helenius record and bio
- Nationality: Finnish
- Born: January 2, 1984
- Height: 6-6 ½
- Reach: 79 inches
- Total fights: 36
- Record: 32-4 with 21 wins via knockout
Anthony Joshua vs. Robert Helenius fight card
- Anthony Joshua vs. Robert Helenius; Heavyweights
- Filip Hrgovic vs. Demsey McKean; Heavyweights
- Derek Chisora vs. Gerald Washington; Heavyweights
- Johnny Fisher vs. Harry Armstrong; Heavyweights
- Campbell Hatton vs. Tom Ansell; Heavyweights
- Maisey Rose Courtney vs. Gemma Ruegg; Super Flyweights
- George Liddard vs. Radek Rousal; Middleweights