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Anthony Joshua paid tribute to Matchroom\u2019s drug testing protocols following Robert Helenius\u2019s positive drug test.<\/p>\n
The two-time heavyweight champion was scheduled to fight Dillian Whyte on 12 August only for the Brixton heavyweight to returned \u2018adverse analytical findings\u2019 in a random anti-doping test, resulting in the fight being called off.<\/p>\n
Helenius was drafted in as a late replacement with Joshua securing an emphatic seventh round knockout win at the O2 Arena.<\/p>\n
The following week, it was revealed the Finnish fighter has also failed a voluntary drug test on the eve of the fight.<\/p>\n
Asked what Joshua\u2019s reaction was to another failed test for one of his opponents, Hearn said: \u2018I messaged him and said, \u201cguess what you won\u2019t believe this.\u201d He came back with the eyes emoji.<\/p>\n
\u2018It was like, wow you have really got to be taking something to beat me, that\u2019s what his words were. he said in one of his messages.\u2019<\/p>\n
Pulling up another message from Joshua, Hearn relayed a brief statement from his fighter which read: \u2018Thank you for the extra attention you take making sure all fighters are brought to the light [who are doping].<\/p>\n
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\u2018Without Matchroom Sport these things are being overlooked.\u2019<\/p>\n
Hearn added: \u2018We are working on a lot of things at the moment, they won\u2019t necessarily benefit our business in the short-term but I believe it will benefit the sport and change the face of the sport and make it safer.\u2019<\/p>\n
Helenius, a veteran of 37 professional fights, has strongly denied knowingly taking any performance-enhancing drug.<\/p>\n
\u2018I 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,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n
\u2018I 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\u2019t cheat and never would.<\/p>\n
\u2018I volunteer to work with VADA and the BBBofC (British Boxing Board of Control) to do whatever it takes to clear my name.\u2019<\/p>\n