In recent times, Anthony Joshua has encountered a series of opponents who tested positive for banned substances, disrupting his fight schedules.

The first notable instance was in 2019 when Jarrell Miller was set to introduce Joshua to the US boxing scene. Miller tested positive for multiple banned substances, resulting in his replacement by Andy Ruiz Jr., who then delivered Joshua his first professional loss. Miller faced a six-month ban for his initial offense and, after testing positive again, was suspended for two years. He is set to return to the ring to fight Ruiz on August 3.

Last year, Joshua planned a comeback fight with Dillian Whyte following two losses to Oleksandr Usyk. However, Whyte was pulled from their scheduled rematch after testing positive for a banned substance, which was later attributed to a contaminated supplement. Joshua instead fought Robert Helenius, who he knocked out in seven rounds. Post-fight tests revealed Helenius had tested positive for clomifene.

UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) confirmed that Helenius will serve a two-year ban, despite his claim that the substance entered his system through contaminated eggs and chicken meat. UKAD stated that Helenius failed to provide evidence supporting his claim, resulting in the enforcement of the ban.

Helenius, who continues to deny knowingly ingesting banned substances, expressed his frustration but acknowledged the need for sanctions to maintain the integrity of the sport. His suspension is set to end on September 17, 2025, pausing his career with two significant losses in his recent record.

Helenius remains determined to return to boxing once his suspension concludes.

For more details, you can refer to sources from the original reporting by UKAD and various sports news outlets.