Boxing: Robert Helenius fails drug test carried out before fight with Anthony Joshua

Finnish boxer, Robert Helenius who fought Nigerian-born British fighter, Anthony Joshua earlier this month, has failed a drug test conducted a day before their heavyweight fight on August 12.

Joshua’s promotional team, Matchroom Boxing, disclosed that Helenius had an “adverse analytical finding” after voluntarily undergoing a test on August 11. Matchroom Boxing received notification of the positive test result 13 days after the fight, on August 25.

A statement from Matchroom Boxing read;

“The Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) has informed Matchroom and the British Boxing Board of Control that Robert Helenius has returned an adverse analytical finding as part of a random anti-doping protocol.

“Helenius was voluntarily tested on Friday, August 11 before his defeat by Anthony Joshua in London on Saturday, August 12. The result was made known to Matchroom today (Friday).”

The statement further highlighted Matchroom’s commitment to supporting voluntary anti-doping testing and promoting a clean and fair sport for all athletes. It also stated that any further action would be deferred to the relevant regulatory authorities.

Joshua defeated Helenius in the seventh round, keeping his track on course for a potential fight against Deontay Wilder.

Report of Robert Helenius failing a drug test is also coming after Anthony Joshua’s original opponent Dillian Whyte also failed a drug test which forced him out of the fight.

Helenius was competing in his second fight in the space of a week when the test in question was carried out. The test was carried out six days after he had stopped compatriot Mika Mielonen.

VADA (Voluntary Anti-Doping Association) testing was not used for the encounter in his homeland, and is generally only involved for high-profile bouts due to the cost involved.

While the failed test will have little baring on Joshua due to his win, it puts a further black mark on the sport with women’s super-featherweight world champion Alycia Baumgardner also returning an “adverse analytical finding” after her recent world title bout.

Helenius is yet to comment publicly on the matter.