Boxing: Joshua, Helenius Exchange Words Ahead Of O2 Arena Heavyweight Fight

A fired-up Anthony Joshua exchanged words with opponent Robert Helenius during a long, intense stare-down as the heavyweights weighed in for Saturday’s (Today’s ),bout at London’s O2 Arena.

Joshua, 33, weighed 17st 12lbs, a pound heavier than Helenius.

The 39-year-old Finn took the fight at a week’s notice after Dillian Whyte failed a voluntary drugs test.

“You got a problem with me?” Joshua asked Helenius.

In a swift retort, Helenius told Joshua: “I don’t got a problem with you.”

Having just weighed in at Westfield London shopping centre on Friday, Joshua told his opponent: “We’re going to fight now or we’re going to fight tomorrow. Either way we’re going to fight.”

He instructed Helenius to “stop acting up”, adding: “Let’s stay calm, let’s stay cool.”

The exchange was a stark contrast to Wednesday’s respectful news conference, where both men shared pleasantries and shook hands.

Promoter Eddie Hearn described the weigh-in as a “spicy” appetiser, having seen Joshua act uncharacteristically in a confrontational manner.

Fans lined the balconies overseeing the atrium of the shopping centre in White City, eager to catch a glimpse of two-time world champion Joshua.

With the undercard weigh-in done, a relaxed Joshua took his time in coming to the stage. The London 2012 gold medallist handed out hats and took photos with fans, as Helenius was made to wait.

As the two men came face to face, Joshua – who has won 25 fights and lost three since turning pro – locked eyes with his opponent and refused to avert his gaze.

Joshua says a change of opponent is “not a problem at all”. He added: “A little blip in my day didn’t change the whole trajectory of how my training camp went.