Robert Helenius’ words look to have come back to haunt the heavyweight boxer after claiming he didn’t need to use drugs to enhance his performance because he had ‘viking blood’ in him. The Finn, who was knocked out by Anthony Joshua in their fight at the O2 Arena only two weeks ago, could face a ban from the sport after it was revealed an ‘adverse analytical finding’ was returned from his drugs test results taken a fortnight ago.
Helenius stepped in at a week’s notice to face Joshua only after his initial opponent, Dillian Whyte, also returned an “adverse analytical finding” in a test before the fight. Joshua knocked out Helenius in the seventh round in London on August 12.
But on Friday, promoters Matchroom Boxing confirmed the 39-year-old had also returned an adverse sample from his voluntary drug test taken before the bout, potentially jeopardising his career in the sport.
A statement from Matchroom read: “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.
“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.”
Earlier this month, Helenius went on a rant about the use of drugs in boxing and claimed he would never be able to return to the sport if he was caught – and insisted his ‘viking’ roots means he wouldn’t need to delve into illegal substances anyway.
“In Finland, if I would be caught I would be lynched for my whole life,” he said earlier in August.
“Two-year minimum, nothing. I would never get a license again. If I would do that, I would never be able to box in Finland anymore.
“Either they should legalise everything for everybody or then have the same standard for everybody. It feels like I’m at a disadvantage, I don’t have the luxury of doing it.
“They come to my home, they take my blood, they come to my work and everything. It’s not fair. Who said that life should be fair?
“My doping is that I have a real high level of Viking blood in me. I don’t care! I don’t care. Use whatever you want.”