AJ: I'm not Finnished with the big boys

Clash with the Nordic Nightmare is a 'check point' to Wilder nights

- CHRIS MCKENNA

ANTHONY JOSHUA believes Robert Helenius is a check point on the road to bigger bouts like Deontay Wilder.

Matchroom have confirmed Joshua will face the 39-year-old Finnish heavyweight in London on Saturday.

Helenius is in for Dillian Whyte after "adverse analytical findings" were detected by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association as part of a random anti-doping protocol.

Whyte has vowed to clear his name but knowledge of his failed test left Matchroom in a race against time to Joshua is find a new opponent hoping to face Wilder early next year in a mega-money clash in Saudi Arabia but must make sure he does not slip up against late replacement Helenius.

He 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. I am laser-focused on the win.