Anthony Joshua will still fight on Saturday night, despite his rematch with Dillian Whyte being cancelled.
AJ is now set to face Robert Helenius at the O2 Arena, live on talkSPORT, this weekend after a last-minute deal was agreed to save the show.”This wasn’t in the script,” Joshua said of his new opponent. “I am laser focused on the win.”
A statement Eddie Hearn’s promotional company Matchroom read: “Today, the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) informed Matchroom, the Association of Boxing Commissions and the British Boxing Board of Control that Dillian Whyte had returned adverse analytical findings as part of a random anti-doping protocol.
“In light of this news, the fight will be cancelled, and a full investigation will be conducted. Further information on the event will follow.”
In a statement, Whyte pleaded his innocence.
Whyte said: “I am shocked and devastated to learn of a report by VADA of adverse findings relating to me.
Meanwhile, 39-year-old veteran Helenius said: “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.”
On Saturday, it was revealed that a Whyte drugs test result had led to his rematch with AJ being cancelled.
“I only learned of it this morning and am still reacting to it.