Anthony Joshua’s reaction to Eddie Hearn after Dillian Whyte’s failed test

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    Anthony Joshua sent a direct message to Eddie Hearn after learning Dillian Whyte had been pulled from their PPV main event – and told him he was "sorry".

    The two-time former unified heavyweight champion will now take on Robert Helenius at The O2 after adverse findings were found in VADA drugs testing concerning Whyte, whom Joshua beat for the first time in 2015.

    Hearn and his Matchroom team scrambled to find a replacement, but not before their star fighter had offered his condolences while thanking the team for their hard work on the promotional side of his career.

    Quoting Joshua, Hearn told Boxing Social when asked how the 33-year-old initially responded to the withdrawal of his rival: "Great Morning.

    READ MORE: Female boxer breaks down in tears in ring after taking 278 punches during fight

    "I can only imagine the time and effort you and your team have put into organising a fight night. Just to say sorry about the news.

    "Thank you for all you and Matchroom do for me, it’s appreciated and I never take it for granted."

    Joshua is looking to continue his path back to a world title shot having beaten Jermaine Franklin after back-to-back decision defeats against Oleksandr Usyk.

    Boxing fans, will you be tuning in this weekend? Tell us in the comments section below.

    Hitting back at the result of the failed test, Whyte said: "I am shocked and devastated to learn of a report by VADA of adverse findings relating to me. I only learned of it this morning and am still reacting to it.

    "I have also just seen that the fight is being cancelled without having any chance to demonstrate my innocence before the decision was taken. I can confirm without a shadow of doubt that I have not taken the reported substance, in this camp or at any point in my life."

    He continued: "I am completely innocent and ask to be given the time to go through the process of proving this without anybody jumping to conclusions or a trial by media."

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    Helenius, 39, steps in to fight Joshua, in a main event now being shown with a DAZN subscription, just days after his own winning return to the ring in a castle in Sweden.

    Helenius didn't have to exert much energy in his third-round win over Mika Mielonen last weekend, who held a professional record of 6-0 before their meeting.

    Helenius has said of his decision to return a week later: "I am a true Viking that is willing to face any challenge at a moment's notice. This is not an opportunity I was going to let slip away. I plan to make the most of it!"

    • Anthony Joshua
    • Dillian Whyte
    • Eddie Hearn

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