Glove row put Anthony Joshua vs Robert Helenius in late doubt
The heavyweights have now come to terms over the gloves to be used in tonight’s heavyweight fight
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Anthony Joshua vs Robert Helenius was left in jeopardy on Friday night and earlier on Saturday after a glove row.
After Friday’s weigh-in on Friday, a video displayed Helenius and his team at a meeting to inspect gloves to be worn and discuss the rules of the bout.
Usually a formality, tension quickly emerged between the camps with Helenius and his team left furious.
The Finn was left upset and complained about what he perceived to be limited amount of padding on AJ’s Leone brand gloves in comparison to his own Grant brand gloves, even though BBBofC (British Boxing Board of Control) had cleared both selections.
“This is f***ing ridiculous,” Helenius said, while also making a request to use the same gloves as Joshua.
Helenius could wear Joshua’s spare pair of gloves, but the heavyweight was then upset and claimed a disparity in the thickness of the two pairs.
“That’s f***ing bulls***, disgusting bulls***,” he added. “Put the same gloves on my hands, f***ing bulls***. I need exactly the same gloves.
“They are not the same gloves. Everybody knows here what the f*** is going on.”
Helenius’ team then escalated the debate with Matchroom promoter and Joshua representative Frank Smith.
The situation with Eddie Hearn’s right-hand man was later resolved and hands were shaken, with a promise to provide Helenius the exact same gloves as Joshua.
This second pair was reportedly provided at another meeting on the day of the fight, although a second video from Saturday is yet to emerge.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments