AJ had been scheduled to fight Dillian Whyte, but the 35-year-old failed a voluntary drug test with VADA (Voluntary Anti-Doping Association).

Finland’s Helenius steps in at less than a week’s notice having been unveiled as the replacement on Tuesday. The 39-year-old is, however, fight ready having secured a third-round TKO win over Mika Mielonen on Saturday.

🥊 Current odds for Anthony Joshua vs Robert Helenius fight 

Anthony Joshua is the heavy favourite as he gears up to take on Robert Helenius. Below are the latest odds with the bookmakers.

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Anthony Joshua vs Robert Helenius fight card 

• Anthony Joshua vs. Robert Helenius; Heavyweight
• Filip Hrgovic vs. Demsey McKean; Heavyweight
• Johnny Fisher vs. Harry Armstrong; Heavyweight
• Derek Chisora vs. Gerald Washington; Heavyweight
• Campbell Hatton vs. Tom Ansell; Super-lightweight
• George Liddard vs. Bas Oosterweghel; Middleweight
• Brandon Scott vs. Louis Norman; Featherweight
• Maiseyrose Courtney vs. Gemma Ruegg; Super-flyweight

Anthony Joshua’s current form and recent fights

Anthony Joshua returned to the ring in April against Jermaine Franklin after successive defeats to Oleksandr Usyk in September 2021 and August 2022.

AJ returned to winning ways with a unanimous points victory against Franklin that night, but many were left underwhelmed by his controlled display, that featured very few fireworks.

Before that, Joshua beat Kubrat Pulev via knockout which followed his points victory over Andy Ruiz in their rematch in Diriyah. AJ has fought just six times since the beginning of 2019.

Robert Helenius’ current form and recent fights

As mentioned, Robert Helenius returned to the ring on Saturday against Mika Mielonen in Finland. The 39-year-old enjoyed a fairly comfortable evening, winning via TKO in the third round. Although the win doesn’t say a great deal given Mielonen is 41-years-old and has only ever had seven professional fights.

Prior to that, Helenius suffered a devastating first-round knockout at the hands of former heavyweight world champion Deontay Wilder in Brooklyn, New York.

1

Anthony Joshua vs Robert Helenius betting tips and odds 

Anthony Joshua to win in Rounds 1-3 – 11/4 (bet365)

Given AJ is an overwhelming favourite, there isn’t an abundance of value in the betting markets. However, an early stoppage looks the most likely outcome in this contest.

Joshua and new trainer Derrick James have been preparing out in Texas for a total war with Dillian Whyte, who would undoubtedly have been a tougher opponent.

It should be taken with a pinch of salt, but promoter Eddie Hearn believes AJ “wants to smash someone up” and show the world his improvements under James. They expect a “fantastic” performance at Matchroom HQ.

Of course, a late change in opponent is never ideal, but the stiff upright 6’6″ frame of Helenius could represent a real positive for Joshua, who has often struggled against smaller fighters.

Helenius doesn’t have the same power to scare AJ, and will no doubt come out swinging like he did to his detriment against Wilder. He was also “wobbled” on Saturday against the lowly Mielonen on his return bout.

Robert Helenius to be knocked down in the first round – 29/2 (bet365)

Helenius describes himself as a “true viking” and is clearly battle-hardened having returned to the ring on Saturday.

But given the reasons above, it’s not beyond the realms of possibility that the Finnish boxer will suffer a knockdown in the opening round. The orthodox 39-year-old, who has never challenged for a world title, is clearly susceptible and AJ could fly out of the traps.

AJ to win by knockout – 15/4 (bet365)

Robert Helenius has suffered four defeats in his professional career, and three of those have been by stoppage. Only once has he gone the distance and lost on points.

Though AJ is without a knockout since defeating Kubrat Pulev in the ninth round in December 2020, he still boasts 22 KO wins in his 28-fight career. The talk coming from AJ’s camp is extremely positive, and a win by knockout could be value at 15/4.

📝 How to place a bet on Anthony Joshua vs Robert Helenius fight 

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• Choose one of the recommended Sportsbooks from our top UK bookies list.
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• Verify your account details and make your initial deposit.
• Navigate to the boxing section of the website.
• Find and select the Anthony Joshua vs Robert Helenius event.
• Explore the various betting markets and make your selection based on our betting tips or your own predictions.

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How do you stream Anthony Joshua vs Robert Helenius?

To catch the action-packed fight between Anthony Joshua vs Robert Helenius, you can stream the event live DAZN. The main card is due to start at 7pm UK time. The ring walks for the main event will be around 10pm. The fight will take place at London’s O2 Arena.

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