While it was announced today (August 8) that Robert Helenius will replace Dillian Whyte and fight Anthony Joshua on Saturday August 12, Finnish paper Ilta-Sanomat reports that negotiations for the fight began Saturday morning before Helenius fought Mika Mielonen.

Manager Markus Sundman says he didn't tell Robert nor his trainer Johan Lundstrom about the offer until after the fight against Mielonen. 

As for how good a shape Robert is, well, when interviewed by Yle some time ago the big Finn said he was back in training days after getting home to Mariehamn after the loss to Deontay Wilder. He didn't train boxing though for six-seven months but against Mielonen he looked fit, fresh and strong. Mika Mielonen is no Anthony Joshua though and the former world champ enters the ring as big favorite but a puncher is always in with a chance and Helenius can punch.

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New York-based Swedish heavyweight Otto Wallin (25-0-1) could be fighting former cruiser champ Murat Gassiev (30-1) in Turkey in September as Dan Rafael was the first to report. 

Walin confirms there have been talks but says nothing is signed.

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The oft postponed fight between EBU super welterweight champ Milan Prat and official challenger Abass Baraou that was set for October 7 in Laval /France) appears to be off again.

Prat will instead fight against an opponent to be announced on October 14 in Oberhausen (Germany).

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Former IBO and WBA interim light heavy champ Robin Krasniqi (53-7) looked very lucky as he got a win on disqualification against French veteran Najib Mohammedi (45-10) Saturday night in Pristina (Kosovo).

Mohammedi had five points deducted for rabbit punching in a foul-filled fight that he still dominated but not in the judges' scorecards). It was blatant hometown officiating that decided this one. Mohammedi took it all with a smile and said he was ready for a rematch anytime.