Matchroom Boxing says heavyweight Robert Helenius has returned a “negative test result” after a voluntary drug test taken the day before his fight with Anthony Joshua.
Helenius stepped in to confront Joshua after initial opponent Dillian White also returned a “negative analytical result” in a pre-fight test.
AJ knocked out Helinos in the seventh round at the O2 Arena in London on 12 August.
The matchroom was informed of the results on Friday, two weeks after the fight.
“Today, the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) has informed Matchrum and the British Boxing Control Board that Robert Helenius has returned a negative test result as part of a random anti-doping protocol,” Matchrum said in a statement on social media. .
“The Matchroom is up to the relevant regulatory authorities regarding next steps. We continue to vigorously support voluntary anti-doping testing. We are committed to promoting clean and fair sport for all athletes.”
Helenius of Finland accepted the opportunity to take on Joshua in less than a week.
The 39-year-old beat Mika Mellonen in a medieval castle in his hometown on August 5 before agreeing to replace White in the main event in London.
Asked by BBC Sport if boxing had a problem with doping in the run-up to a match at the O2 Arena, the two-time world champion Joshua said: “The thing is people are asking ‘how long has this been going on?'”
“It makes me wonder how long this situation has been going on?” Somehow, I am no longer shocked at boxing.
“It’s not just about the belt you’re competing for, you leave that game with your abilities. Boxing is a dangerous, dangerous game. Even in the anti-doping aspect, people take it for granted.”
For the fourth time in 12 months, and the second time in as many weeks, boxing is facing serious questions about the credibility of the sport and its anti-doping protocols.
Conor Penn vs Chris Eubanks Jr It was canceled during Fight Week It is October 2022 when it is revealed that Ben has failed two voluntary drug tests. Penn and White both deny any wrongdoing and plead their innocence.
It was Amir Khan Banned for two years After an anti-doping test revealed the presence of a banned substance following his fight against Kell Brook in February 2022.
