Heavyweight Robert Helenius banned from boxing

Finnish boxer Robert Helenius has been banned for two years following a positive drug test.

After his fight with Anthony Joshua last year, Helenius tested positive for clomifene in a UK anti-doping test.


The 40-year-old boxer, who was 39 at the time of the battle, was knocked out in London's O2 Arena in August 2023.

Helenius, who had already been suspended, stated that the clomifene discovered in his system came from eggs and chicken flesh he had taken prior to the match.

However, the UK Anti-Doping Agency noted in a statement released on Friday that "Mr Helenius was unable to provide evidence that the eggs and chicken he had consumed in advance of the bout originated from hens that had been administered clomifene"

"He 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," according to the report.

The prohibition will be effective for two years, beginning September 18, 2023, when Helenius was provisionally suspended.

He plans to return to the sport after midnight on September 17, 2025.