Robert Helenius was banned for 2 years after failing a drug take a look at following his battle with Anthony Joshua final 12 months.
British Anti-Doping assessments detected the presence of clomid, a long-banned substance.
He was initially suspended however argued that the clomid in his urine pattern should have come from eggs and rooster.
UKAD mentioned in a press release: “Nonetheless, following UKAD’s request, Mr Helenius was unable to supply any proof that the eggs and rooster he consumed earlier than the competitors got here from hens taking Clomiphene.”
Helenius turns into Joshua’s alternative opponent after Dillian Whyte returns hostile analytical outcome after drug take a look at
“In consequence, Mr Helenius was unable to ascertain the supply of the clomid within the pattern and due to this fact couldn’t cut back the two-year ban.”
Helenius was really given a late-notice battle in opposition to Joshua on August 12 after Joshua’s authentic opponent, Dillian Whyte, himself returned an unfavorable analytical outcome. substitutes participated.
White was subsequently allowed to return to the ring.
Helenius did preserve his innocence when the take a look at failed. “I’m not or have been utilizing any efficiency enhancements,” he claimed.
“I need to ship a direct message to Anthony Joshua and boxing followers immediately: I didn’t cheat and I by no means will.”
Joshua defeated Helenius in seven rounds (Picture: Mark Robinson/Matchroom)
Joshua knocked out Helenius with a dramatic punch within the seventh spherical and continued his profitable streak, culminating in a battle with Daniel Dubois for the IBF world title this September.
Helenius is entitled to factors for the size of his short-term suspension, so his ban is deemed to start on September 18, 2023, and can finish at midnight on September 17 subsequent 12 months.
But it surely may realistically be the tip of Helenius’ profession. The Finn has beforehand boxed with Deontay Wilder and Derek Chisora in addition to Joshua and Whyte. However due to the ban, he shall be 41 when he’s allowed to field once more on the finish of 2025.
