Robert Helenius has been banned from boxing for two years due to a positive drugs test after his fight against Anthony Joshua last year.
The 40-year-old heavyweight, who was 39 at the time of the AJ bout, tested positive for clomifene after being knocked out in London’s O2 Arena in August 2023.
Heavyweight Robert Helenius has been banned from boxing for two years due to a doping offense.
Clomifene is illegal because it can be used to raise testosterone levels in men.
Helenius attempted to defend his innocence by arguing that the clomifene in his system must have come from eating eggs and chicken flesh.
However, in a statement made on Friday, UK Anti-Doping stated that “Mr Helenius was unable to provide any evidence that the eggs and chicken meat he had consumed in advance of the bout originated from hens that had been administered clomifene.”
Helenius last competed in August against Anthony Joshua (right) at the O2 Arena.
“Mr Helenius was unable to identify the source of clomifene in his sample and thus unable to reduce the applicable period of ineligibility of two years.”
The ban will last two years, beginning September 18, when Helenius was provisionally banned.
He will consequently be allowed to return to the sport after midnight on September 17, 2025.
Helenius responded to Friday’s verdict by releasing his own statement.
The statement read, “I want to say something very clear in my own words right now with absolutely no exception.” I did not utilize any performance enhancements, now or ever. I’ve been tested throughout my career.
Joshua beat Helenius by knocking him out in the seventh round of their fight in south London
Helenius tested positive for narcotics in his urine following the bout.
‘I was just informed that I tested positive for the presence of a non-steroid chemical in my system, and I wanted to convey an urgent direct message to Anthony Joshua and boxing fans that I did not and would never cheat.
“I volunteer to work with VADA and the BBBofC to do whatever it takes to clear my name.”
