Just last week Joshua was preparing for an eargerly anticipated rematch with domestic rival Dillian Whyte, but the fight was then cancelled this past Saturday when the latter returned adverse findings in a VADA test. 

However, a replacement was found in the form of Robert Helenius and now Joshua's second fight of 2023 will go ahead this weekend live on DAZN. 

British boxing legend Ricky Hatton has since given his prediction for the contest, and while a last minute opponent change is far from ideal for Joshua, he still expects the former Olympian to produce an impressive performance at London's O2 Arena. 

"It’s not ideal getting a last-minute change of opponent and fair play to Matchroom for finding an opponent at such short notice. They saved the show which is good news for the kids on the undercard," Hatton told Genting Casino. 

"I don’t think AJ will be too pleased that there is a change of opponent at short notice but hopefully he won’t be taking Helenius lightly. He’s a professional and I don’t think that he will make the mistake of underestimating him. It’s a fight that he can’t afford to lose if he is to continue trying to get back to the top again. He’s got to focus on the guy in front and do a number on him.

"I think Dillian Whyte would have been a good measure of where we are with AJ and as we don’t know the full story it’s hard to make judgment but it’s not looking good for Dillian so we are left with Helenius.

"I see AJ stopping Helenius. I’m not sure he will stop him in the first round like Wilder did, but I don’t see it going the distance.

"AJ has been a little safety first but if he is looking to fight Wilder in December, he needs a convincing win. Like I said he needs to do a number on him."