Heavyweight Robert Helenius banned from boxing

 Finnish boxer Robert Helenius has been handed a two-year ban after testing positive for clomifene in a UK Anti-Doping test following his fight against Anthony Joshua in August 2023. 

Helenius, who was knocked out at London's O2 Arena, pleaded his innocence and claimed that the clomifene in his system came from eggs and chicken meat he consumed before the match.

However, the UK Anti-Doping agency found Helenius' explanation unconvincing, stating that he failed to provide evidence that the eggs and chicken he consumed came from hens administered with clomifene.

 As a result, Helenius was unable to identify the source of clomifene in his sample and was therefore unable to reduce the applicable period of ineligibility.

The two-year ban will be effective from September 18, 2023, when Helenius was provisionally suspended, and will last until midnight on September 17, 2025. During this time, Helenius will be unable to participate in professional boxing. 

The ban marks a significant setback for the 40-year-old boxer, who will have to wait until 2025 to return to the sport.