Anthony Joshua Gets New Opponent After Dillian Whyte Fails Doping Test

• Anthony Joshua was scheduled to face Dillian Whyte at the O2 Arena
• Dillian Whyte recently tested to an adverse finding after a VADA drug test
• Joshua has immediately set to face another boxer this weekend

Anthony Joshua was due to fight Dillian Whyte this weekend at the O2 arena in what is considered one of Joshua’s bouts to redeem his lost title.

This fight however has been called off after a random drug test on Whyte returned with an adverse analytical finding.

Per reports from Sky Sports, the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association said it had informed the Association of Boxing Commissions and the British Boxing Board of Control that a "random anti-doping protocol" undertaken by Whyte had returned the adverse findings.

This development looks certain to have marred the months of preparation and build-ups to this bout, however, Joshua looks to have found a last-minute replacement who is set to salvage the situation for the boxer.

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Anthony Joshua’s new opponent

The British former world champion will now face 39-year-old Finnish boxer Robert Helenius.

Helenius, who only last week defeated Mika Mielonen has agreed to step in at short notice to take on the former unified champion.

Joshua took time to address the situation surrounding his change of opponent.

Quoted by Sky Sports Joshua said:

"This wasn't in the script,

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 checkpoint, Saturday night. May the best man win."

The Finnish boxer who knocked down the Bronze bomber Deontay Wilder in one round last year also spoke about him accepting the impromptu bout.

Quoted by Sky Sports Helenius said:

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"I am excited about fighting Anthony JosTwitterot an opportunity I was going to let slip away. I plan to make the most of it."

Whyte who is bent on proven his innocence has taken to Twitter to express himself:

"I am shocked and devastated to learn of a report by VADA of adverse findings relating to me.

"The fight is being cancelled without having any chance to demonstrate my innocence before the decision was taken.

"I can confirm without a shadow of doubt that I have not taken the reported substance, in this camp or at any point in my life.

"I am completely innocent and ask to be given the time to go through the process of proving this without anybody jumping to conclusions or a trial by media.

"I insisted on 24/7 VADA testing for this fight, as I have done voluntarily and at my own expense for all of my fights for many, many years.

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"This is not the first time that I have been reported as having an adverse finding for a substance which I have not taken, and as I did last time I will again prove that I am completely innocent."

Joshua uninterested in Ngannou’s bout

As Sports Brief also reported Joshua has ruled out fighting Ngannou anytime soon, despite the Cameroonian looking for an opponent.

The former UFC Heavyweight champion has been looking for a high-profile boxing match since his release from the promotion earlier this year.

Ngannou expressed an interest in fighting Wilder, Fury or Joshua, but the superstar trio could be involved in something more significant.