Robert Helenius 'FAILS' Pre-Fight VADA Test
Robert Helenius, who was drafted in as a last-minute substitute for Dillian Whyte to face the former world heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua, at the O2, is now embroiled in a doping controversy. This surprising twist emerges after Dillian Whyte himself was pulled from the scheduled bout due to his own drug test irregularities. Details indicate that Helenius underwent a voluntary drug test on 11th August, just a day before his clash with Joshua in London. However, the results, pointing towards the presence of prohibited substances, were relayed to Matchroom Boxing, the agency promoting Joshua, only 13 days after the match was conducted. Matchroom Boxing released a detailed statement in response. "The Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) notified both Matchroom and the British Boxing Board of Control about Robert Helenius' irregular test results stemming from a spontaneous doping check. While the test was performed on the eve of his bout against Anthony Joshua on 12th August, the findings were only disclosed to our team today. As staunch supporters of a clean sporting environment and rigorous anti-doping tests, we rely on the decisions of the appropriate authorities for subsequent steps. Our unwavering commitment is to ensure fairness and transparency in the sport." In the much-discussed bout, Anthony Joshua showcased his skills by overcoming Helenius in the seventh round. This victory has possibly set the stage for Joshua to compete against the formidable Deontay Wilder in a much-anticipated showdown. The entire episode has added more layers to the original controversy involving Dillian Whyte. After the revelations against him, Whyte publicly voiced his dismay and is on a mission to vindicate himself. Meanwhile, Helenius has remained silent, refraining from issuing any statements or comments on the recent doping allegations.
