Anthony Joshua stunned Robert Helenius with a knockout in the seventh round of their heavyweight fight on Saturday night at the O2 Arena in London.
With Joshua's intended opponent, Dillian Whyte, failing a drug test a week before the fight, Helenius was the last-minute substitution. Joshua has improved to 26-2 and has knocked out 23 of his opponents. Helenius, on the other hand, was knocked out for the fourth time, making it his fifth loss in 36 bouts.
[caption id="attachment_7936" align="aligncenter" width="513"]
Anthony Joshua knocks out the Nordic Nightmare, Robert Helenius. | Credit: The Sun[/caption]
The Fight
From the first bell, Joshua was in control of the fight and completely outclassed Helenius. Joshua kept Helenius at bay with a combination of a jab, footwork, and right hands and body blows.
Helenius attempted to use his height and reach to keep Joshua at bay, but the champion was too fast and powerful for him to be a threat. Joshua took his time and was systematic in his approach, carefully selecting his shots and avoiding risk.
A stunning overhand right from Joshua in the seventh round dropped Helenius to the ground with a clean hook to the chin. Helenius struggled to his feet, but he was obviously injured and disoriented. Joshua scored a sensational knockout victory after the round was stopped at 1:23.
After seven rounds, Joshua knocked out his opponent, therefore there was no need to check the scores. But if it had gone to the judges, Joshua would have won easily.
[caption id="attachment_7935" align="aligncenter" width="475"]
Joshua knockouts Helenius with a clean overhand hook in the 7th round. | Credit: ESPN[/caption]
Other Undercard Results
- Filip Hrgovic def. Demsey McKean by 12th round KO; Heavyweights
- Derek Chisora def. Gerald Washington on points; Heavyweights
- Johnny Fisher def. Harry Armstrong by 7th round KO; Heavyweights
- Campbell Hatton def. Tom Ansell on points; Heavyweights
- Maisey Rose Courtney def. Gemma Ruegg on points; Super Flyweights
- Brandon Scott def. Louis Norman on points; Super Featherweights
Scenes
Over 20,000 fans packed the O2 Arena to see the fight, and their support for Joshua was loud and consistent. Joshua's signature fireworks and music set the stage for an electrifying entrance.
Although Helenius's entrance into the ring was less spectacular than his predecessor's, the crowd still applauded him for filling in at the last minute. He accepted his loss with dignity and grace, giving Joshua a hug and best wishes.
After the fight, Joshua was joined in the ring by UFC superstar Conor McGregor, who congratulated Joshua on his victory.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1690496114246533120
[caption id="attachment_7940" align="aligncenter" width="515"]
McGregor Conor celebrates with Anthony Joshua after the match. | Credit: Getty[/caption]
Conor Breaks the Rules with Ring Entry
By entering the ring prior to Anthony Joshua's match, Conor McGregor violated standard boxing protocol.
[caption id="attachment_7939" align="aligncenter" width="560"]
By entering the ring prior to Anthony Joshua's match, Conor McGregor violated standard boxing protocol. | Credit: Getty[/caption]
The UFC star canceled a family vacation so he could be at the O2 Arena for the fight.
McGregor sat ringside for the event since his Irish Forged Stout was a sponsor.
The Irishman paraded around the ring before Derek Chisora controversially defeated Gerald Washington.
The promoter Eddie Hearn even posed for a photo with him.
But what McGregor did not realize is that he actually broke British Boxing Board of Control protocol as only
BBBoC license holders are allowed in the ring.
Anthony Joshua Wants Deontay Wilder
Joshua was overjoyed to share his victory with his team and supporters. He lauded Helenius' bravery and commended him for taking the fight. When asked if he would be willing to fight Deontay Wilder next, he said he was prepared to do so.
[caption id="attachment_7941" align="aligncenter" width="454"]
Joshua wants to fight Deontay Wilder next. | Credit: Talksport[/caption]
Given their stunning knockout power and charisma, many believe Wilder to be Joshua's greatest competitor and threat. With the winner being the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world, a bout between Joshua and Wilder would be one of the most significant in boxing history.
Joshua expressed his thoughts after the fight:
"Man, people need to leave me alone," Joshua said. "I do what I want. This is my time in this ring. People need to let me breathe a bit and let me keep doing what I do. … He’s got talent. I had to figure him out as a late replacement."
"I’m not interested in anyone else’s opinion," he added. "You’ve got to ask me if I want to fight Wilder. Of course, I do. I’m here to prove myself. I’m here to be undisputed. I’m here to make history."
Helenius was disappointed but dignified after his loss, as he congratulated Joshua and thanked him for the opportunity. He also expressed his desire to continue fighting and bounce back from this setback.
"He’s a great champion," Helenius said. "He caught me with a good shot and I couldn’t recover. I gave it my best, but it wasn’t enough tonight."
"I’m not done yet," he continued. "I still have a lot of fight left in me. I’ll be back stronger."
AJ vs. The Nordic Nightmare's Fight Analysis
Joshua's impressive display of technique, strength, and intelligence against Helenius confirmed his status as one of the best heavyweights in the world. He did not rush or get reckless, but rather used his jab and movement to set the pace and distance of the bout. He also demonstrated his agility and adaptability by shifting his body position and angle to throw Helenius off.
Joshua also shown that he has moved past his defeat to Usyk last year by fighting with poise and confidence. He kept a positive attitude and used the setback as inspiration and a learning opportunity.
Helenius displayed great bravery and determination by stepping in at short notice to fight one of the world's top boxers. He did not cower in the face of opposition but instead fought to even the odds. He also demonstrated talent and toughness by landing jabs and hooks and withstanding blows from Joshua.
[caption id="attachment_7942" align="aligncenter" width="495"]
The Nordic Nightmare, Robert Helenius really showed bravery and class. | Credit: Boxingnews24[/caption]
However, Helenius was no match for Joshua, who was far faster, stronger, and more skilled. He had neither the experience nor the stamina to last the full twelve rounds against Anthony Joshua and was knocked out in the seventh.
Helenius is still relevant because he is a formidable opponent for any up-and-coming heavyweight. His approach to the game, as well as his general demeanor and enthusiasm, endear him to his audience. If he keeps his head down and his drive up, he still has a chance at some major bouts and opportunities.
Watch and download the highlights of the fight here:
https://youtu.be/iOxm91VOF5k
LIVE UPDATES
