ROAD TO HEL

AJ eyes bigger things but must not slip up against 'Nordic Nightmare'

- CHRIS MCKENNA

ANTHONY JOSHUA believes standin Robert Helenius will be a 'check point' on the road to bigger nights with rivals like Deontay Wilder.

Promoters Matchroom confirmed our story yesterday that Joshua will face the Finnish heavyweight this weekend.

Helenius, 39, replaced Dillian Whyte after the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association informed the Association of Boxing Commissions and the British Boxing Board of Control he had "returned adverse analytical findings" as part of a random anti-doping protocol.

AJ is hoping to face American Wilder early next year in a mega-money clash in Saudi Arabia but first must make sure he does not slip up against late replacement Helenius.

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.