Robert Helenius has been banned from boxing due to a positive drugs test after his KO defeat to Anthony Joshua last year.

The 40-year-old heavyweight veteran was knocked out cold by AJ at the O2 Arena in London in August 2023, then recorded a positive UKAD (UK Anti-Doping) test for clomifene.

Joshua sent Helenius sprawling to the canvas in the seventh round last AugustCredit: Mark Robinson/Matchroom

Helenius protested his innocence but has now been banned for two years after being unable to prove it.

UKAD’s statement read: “Finnish Professional Boxer Robert Helenius has been banned from all World Anti-Doping Code-compliant sport for two years, following Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) for the Presence and Use of a Prohibited Substance.

“Mr Helenius was tested by UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) after his bout against Anthony Joshua at the London O2 Arena on 12 August 2023.

“Analysis of his Sample revealed the Presence of clomifene. Clomifene is a Specified Substance that is prohibited at all-times.

“UKAD notified and charged Mr Helenius with ADRVs for the Presence and Use of a Prohibited Substance and provisionally suspended him.

“On being notified of the ADRVs, Mr Helenius stated that the clomifene detected in his urine Sample must have originated from his consumption of eggs and chicken meat.

“However, following a request by UKAD, 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 was also KO’d by Wilder in 2022Credit: TGB

“Mr Helenius was therefore unable to identify the source of clomifene in his Sample and therefore unable to reduce the applicable period of Ineligibility of two years.

“Mr Helenius is entitled to credit for the time he spent provisionally suspended, so his ban is deemed to have commenced on 18 September 2023 and will end at midnight on 17 September 2025.”

After the news initially broke of his positive test last year, Helenius posted the following statement.

He wrote: “I want to say something very clear in my own words right now with absolutely no exception. I did not use any performance enhancement now or ever. I have been tested my entire career.

“I was just told that I tested positive for the presence of a non-steroid substance in my system and I wanted to send an immediate direct message to Anthony Joshua and boxing fans that I didn’t cheat and never would.

“I volunteer to work with VADA and the BBBofC to do whatever it takes to clear my name.”

However, he’s now been banned for two years regardless, likely ending his boxing career.