Anthony Joshua vs Robert Helenius Prediction, Preview, and Odds (Aug 12)

• Anthony Joshua was set to face Dillian Whyte this weekend at the O2 Arena
• Date with Whyte scrapped after drugs test, but Robert Helenius has stepped in on short notice

The show must go on in London this weekend, as Robert Helenius has stepped in to fill the void left by Dillian Whyte following the British heavyweight’s failed drugs test. The Finnish star will clash with Anthony Joshua, who is in need of a big performance ahead of a potential showdown with Deontay Wilder.

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How To Watch

• When: Saturday, August 12, 2023
• Where: O2 Arena, London, England  
• How To Watch: DAZN

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Odds

Fight Result	Odds
Anthony Joshua
Robert Helenius

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Fight Preview

Anthony Joshua returns to the ring for the first time since April on Saturday. The British heavyweight remains on last chance saloon, as one more professional defeat will likely lead to retirement. AJ is on the comeback trail after losing his WBA, WBO, IBF, IBO, and The Ring titles last year following a second straight defeat against Oleksandr Usyk.

That defeat was the third time that the Brit had been beaten during his professional career, with all losses coming in his previous six bouts. His showdown against Whyte was meant to be an opportunity for AJ to lay down his claims for a potential world title fight with Tyson Fury, but that scuppered date doesn’t take anything away from the importance of Saturday for Joshua.

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Charge it to the game. pic.twitter.com/GZvIHX7XcS

— Anthony Joshua (@anthonyjoshua) August 8, 2023

However, Joshua has fallen victim to a shock result in the past, as Andy Ruiz sensationally beat the Brit after coming in at the last minute in 2019. That will give Helenius hope this weekend, as the 39-year-old Fin looks for a second victory in seven days. He was only in action last Saturday, as he beat Mika Mielonen by third-round KO in his homeland.

However, he has clearly had issues stepping up to the next level, evident by stoppage defeats against Wilder and Gerald Washington in the last four years. The defeat against Wilder was suffered in the opening round. Helenius was also beaten by Whyte by split decision in 2017, but his excellent knockout power will certainly pose questions of Joshua this weekend.

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Anthony Joshua vs Robert Helenius Prediction

The spark has been taken off this bout following Whyte’s withdrawal, but there is still a job to do for Joshua. We fully expect the Brit to put on a show in front of his home fans ahead of a showdown with Wilder later this year.

Free Pick: