Heavyweight contender Robert Helenius is latest boxer to test positive for a banned substance.
As part of a drug test administered by VADA, Helenius tested positive for a banned substance in connection to his recent fight with former two-time world champion Anthony Joshua, which took place on August 12 at the O2 Arena in London.
Ironically, Helenius had replaced Dillian Whyte on a week’s notice. Whyte was immediately pulled from a scheduled rematch with Joshua after testing positive for a performance enhancing drug during his VADA testing protocol.
The test result will not affect the outcome, as Helenius was brutally knocked out by Joshua in the seventh round.
According to Matchroom Boxing, the test in question was taken a day before the fight.
Promoter Eddie Hearn of Matchroom was informed of the positive test on Friday.
Matchroom Boxing said: “Today, the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) has informed Matchroom and the British Boxing Board of Control that Robert Helenius has returned an adverse analytical finding as part of a random anti-doping protocol.
“Helenius was voluntarily tested on Friday, 11 August before the heavyweight fighter’s defeat by Anthony Joshua in London on Saturday, 12 August. The result was made known to Matchroom today.
“Matchroom defers to the relevant regulatory authorities on next steps. We vehemently continue to support voluntary anti-doping testing. We are committed to promoting a clean and fair sport for all athletes.”
On August 16, news broke that undisputed super featherweight champion Alycia Baumgardner had tested positive for a banned substance in connection to her decision win over Christina Linardatou in July.
Adding to that, welterweight contender Conor Benn is still embroiled in a legal fight over his positive drug tests from a year ago.