They always have a saying when it comes time for boxing of the possibility of the card changing, especially there are so many factors when it comes time for getting the fights together.
The folks at Matchroom Boxing rearranged their card that is scheduled for August 12, as Anthony Joshua takes on Robert Helenius in a 12-round main event at The O2 in London. All the action from the card is going to air on DAZN.
The change to the main event comes on the news of the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) telling the folks at the Association of Boxing Commissions and the British Boxing Board of Control that Dillian Whyte returned adverse analytical findings as a part of a random anti-doping protocol.
Due to this the main event had to be rearranged.
Here are some of the quotes on the rearrangement of the Main Event compliments of Matchroom Boxing:
“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 check point, Saturday night. May the best man win.”
“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!”
Matchroom Sport chairman Eddie Hearn said: “To get the news on Saturday was really disappointing, not only for us but for Anthony Joshua and for the fans. But we got to work, and we have done what we’re good at – and we have managed to keep the show on. AJ has been unbelievable throughout this whole process. He is someone who is ready to fight having trained for 12 weeks in Dallas with Derrick James. He has always been a great pro, but this just shows me again the hunger he has for the sport. He wants to go out there this Saturday in front of a sold-out crowd at The O2 and perform. There were a lot of options. But we had to make sure it was the right fight for the right deal. I think Robert Helenius is a good fight. Yes, he lost to Deontay Wilder but that was by a shot that would have probably knocked out a horse! But he came to fight. He can really punch, he’s 6ft 8in and he won at the weekend. Ultimately there is criticism in whatever you do, but I actually think this is a tricky and dangerous fight.”
When it comes time for Joshua (25-3, 22 KOs) The O2 Arena is a great place for him in terms of getting a victory. The last that Josha fought in London, he won a twelve-round unanimous decision over Jermaine Franklin this past April 1.
As for Helenius (32-4, 21 KOs) ‘The Nordic Nightmare” has claimed back-to-back stoppage victory over Adam Kownacki and also got a third-round knockout of the unbeaten Mika Mielonen this past Saturday.
On the line for these two fighters is a meeting versus former WBC heavyweight champ Deontay Wilder (43-2-1, 42 KOs) that is scheduled to take place in early 2024.
Getting back to the card that Matchroom Boxing has scheduled on August 12, there is going to be a huge night of Heavyweight action in the Capital. Thus far scheduled is going to be IBF Mandatory World Title challenger Filip Hrgovic (15-0, 12 KOs) clashes with Australia’s undefeated contender Demsey McKean (22-0, 14 KOs) for a shot at Ukraine’s unified World Champion Oleksandr Usyk, two-time World Title challenger and fan favorite Derek Chisora (33-12, 23 KOs) returns to the scene of so many of his famous wins to take on America’s Gerald Washington (20-5-1, 13 KOs) over ten rounds and Romford sensation Johnny Fisher (9-0, 8 KOs) has the opportunity to land his first belt when he faces off with Torquay’s Harry Armstrong (5-1-1) for the vacant Southern Area Title.
Also set to appear on August 12 Super-Lightweight Campbell Hatton (12-0, 5 KOs) takes on Hitchen’s Tom Ansell (10-4, 2 KOs) over eight rounds, Billericay Middleweight prospect George Liddard (3-0, 3 KOs) goes for another knockout against Bas Oosterweghel (5-1, 3 KOs), Wales Featherweight talent Brandon Scott (5-0, 1 KO) makes his Matchroom debut against Shepshed’s Louis Norman (14-13-1, 2 KOs) and Eltham Super-Flyweight Maiseyrose Courtney (3-0) faces her toughest test against Bournemouth’s Gemma Ruegg (7-7, 1 KO).
With so much action taking place the tickets for the event have already sold-out, so fans hoping to catch the action are going to do so through the DAZN Network. It is going to be an action-packed night and one that fans are not going to want to miss.
For more information on Matchroom Boxing fans are encouraged to click on the link seen here: