Anthony Joshua admitted a way of accountability to not let individuals down was a driving issue behind him accepting a last-minute opponent change for Saturday’s combat on the O2 Arena in London.
Joshua went head-to-head with Robert Helenius for the primary time at Wednesday’s press convention within the capital after 24 hours earlier the 6ft9in heavyweight had been confirmed as Dillian Whyte’s substitute for this weekend.
Chapter two of the Joshua versus Whyte rivalry needed to be scrapped after the latter noticed a doping check by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (Vada) detect “adverse analytical findings”, which has left Whyte in a battle to show to clear his identify.
Joshua found information of Whyte’s failed check on Saturday morning however was keen to maintain the present on the highway and can now face an opponent who fought in Finland final weekend.
“Yes so I also looked at the undercard as well and I know how much it means for them to compete,” the previous two-time world heavyweight champion mentioned.
“I know how hard you [Matchroom] guys work and not only you [Eddie Hearn], all your backroom staff. I didn’t want to let anyone down, my coach, Dazn, so it is kind of like a responsibility.
“Late replacements are not ideal but it is the third time it has happened. We had it with Kubrat Pulev and [Carlos] Takam, Jarrell Miller and Andy Ruiz Jr so this is what happens.
“A long career will present these type of obstacles and I just have to get used to them. Yeah, this is another rock on my shoe towards the top of the mountain.
“Helenius fought on Saturday, he is doing the right thing. As a fighter, you have to stay busy, you have to stay active and keep expressing your skill because that is the only way to improve.
“Obviously I haven’t been fighting, I fought at the start of April [against Jermaine Franklin] but I spent a lot of time in the ring. In Dallas we do a lot of ring work and that’s the closest thing to a fight. It is not just hitting the bags, shadow boxing, we do a lot of combat training so I am physically ready.”
Meanwhile, Helenius (32-4, 21 knockouts) insists he’s not merely within the UK for a pay-day regardless of being in motion on Saturday, the place he recorded a third-round win over Mika Mielonen in a Castle in Finland.
The veteran will step into the ring for the thirty seventh time and after sharing the canvas with Deontay Wilder final October, the place he suffered a vicious knock-out loss inside three minutes, he’s excited to go toe-to-toe with outdated sparring accomplice Joshua (25-3, 22 KOs).
Stockholm-born Helenius added: “I am ready to fight. That is why I am here. Otherwise I wouldn’t be here. I respect him, he’s a good fighter. It is going to be glorious. It was big news in Finland and I can ensure you I will give everything.”