Anthony Joshua will face Robert Helenius

• Boxing

Finland's Robert Helenius will be a replacement for Dillian Whyte, whose drug test was positive. Anthony Joshua emphasized immediately after the agreement that none of this was agreed upon. Anthony has enormous respect for Helenius and his willingness to fight.

“This wasn’t in the script," said Joshua, as quoted by boxingscene.com "I respect Helenius and may I say, I respect any male or female who steps into the ring. I am laser focused on the win. I can make steps forward to bigger and better things but the road map has a check point, Saturday night.

May the best man win”. Helenius could not hide his happiness after everything ended successfully for him. The Finnish boxer is aware of the opportunity he has in front of his team, and that he must take advantage of it.

In the ring on the opposite side will be one of the best and biggest boxers. Helenius wants to prove that he is really ready to fight with the greatest. "I am excited about fighting Anthony Joshua on August 12," said Helenius.

"I am a true Viking that is willing to face any challenge at a moment's notice. This is not an opportunity I was going to let slip away. I plan to make the most of it!"

Eddie Hearn reacts

Promoter Eddie Hearn is happy that an adequate replacement was found.

The Finnish boxer could be a tough challenge for him, and Joshua must not enter this match relaxed. Hearn believes that this match will provide what the audience expects, “We got to work and we have done what we’re good at – and we have managed to keep the show on.

AJ has been unbelievable throughout this whole process. He is someone who is ready to fight having trained for 12 weeks in Dallas with Derrick James. He has always been a great pro but this just shows me again the hunger he has for the sport.

He wants to go out there this Saturday in front of a sold-out crowd at The O2. There were a lot of options. But we had to make sure it was the right fight for the right deal. I think Robert Helenius is a good fight. Yes, he lost to Deontay Wilder but that was by a shot that would have probably knocked out a horse!

But he came to fight. He can really punch, he’s 6ft 8in and he won at the weekend. Ultimately there is criticism in whatever you do, but I actually think this is a tricky and dangerous fight."