Finnish heavyweight boxer Robert Helenius has been handed a two-year ban following a positive drug test. The test, conducted by UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) after his fight with Anthony Joshua last year, revealed the presence of clomifene in his system.
The 40-year-old, who was 39 at the time of the bout, was knocked out at London’s O2 Arena in August 2023. Helenius has maintained his innocence, suggesting the clomifene came from consuming eggs and chicken meat prior to the fight.
However, UKAD stated on Friday that Helenius was unable to provide evidence linking the clomifene to the eggs and chicken he consumed. “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,” the agency said.
As a result, he could not identify the source of the clomifene in his sample, and the two-year ban stands. The suspension is effective from September 18, 2023, when he was provisionally suspended. Helenius will be eligible to return to boxing on September 18, 2025.
