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By Peter Akinbo
Anthony Joshua fights Robert Helenius at the O2 Arena tonight, as the Finn steps in for Dillian Whyte on seven days’ notice.
Joshua was set for his third clash with Whyte here, having lost to his fellow Briton as an amateur before knocking him out in 2015. However, Whyte returned an adverse finding in a drug test last week, leading him to be pulled from tonight’s main event. Helenius steps in, just seven days after having fought and won in Finland.
Joshua must get past Helenius if he’s to secure a blockbuster fight with Deontay Wilder next year.
With that early stoppage of Mika Mielonen, Helenius bounced back from a first-round loss to Wilder, who was left in tears after stopping the 39-year-old in the first round in October 2022.
Meanwhile, Joshua, 33, last fought in April this year, beating Jermaine Franklin on points to respond positively to two straight losses to Oleksandr Usyk.
Can the former two-time heavyweight champion stay on track for a potential bout with Wilder?
Joshua walks to the ring for the bout as a violinist plays the theme to The Godfather.
In a red robe, Joshua looks calm and collected. He needs a special performance here to regain that killer instinct and confidence ahead of a superfight with Wilder.
ROUND ONE
HEATED START
At 11: 20pm, the bell sounds.
It’s a good start from Helenius, who is positive, on the front foot and willing to put punches together.
Joshua penetrating the Finn’s guard with a neat jab, but not opening up just yet.
Both fighters very engaged and looking to counter, the fight is happening in the centre of the ring as it starts hot.
ROUND TWO: Joshua connects
Joshua slowly finding his groove against Helenius in the second round of the fight.
Solid left from Joshua early. Slow pace, not the kind of fight you want with a lumbering big heavyweight like Helenius, though.
Joshua lands a big right, much better round for the hometown fighter this time.
Very good round for Joshua who is now two up on the cards.
“He’s leaning back,” Joshua tells James after round two.
ROUND THREE: London crowd boos Joshua
Joshua is looking a big counter for Helenius to fall into as he hits him with jabs and combinations.
Big right hook hurtst Helenius with 30 seconds left in the round.
A jab from Helenius has marked up Joshua’s left eye. Believe it or not, this is a fight!
The crowd whistle and boo the action.
ROUND FOUR: Joshua rocks Helenius
Joshua rocks Helenius with a big right about a minute into the round!
The difference in hand speed is very clear now, as Joshua’s jab bloodies Helenius’ nose.
ROUND FIVE: Joshua dominating
Joshua is getting cleaner with his jabs now and is attacking the Finn with pace.
Helenius grows in confidence and returns his jabs also.
Joshua is 4-1 up now!
ROUND SIX: Joshua hesitates despite upper hand
A hook from Helenius lands on the British-Nigerian.
Now halfway into the fight, Joshua gets on the ropes, but he hesitates and doesn’t keep attacking.
ROUND SEVEN: KO FOR JOSHUA
AND DOWN GOES HELENIUS!
ANTHONY JOSHUA GETS THE KNOCKOUT VICTORY!
Finally, Joshua’s combination works.
Jab, jab and then the right hand lands on the chin of the Finn.
Helenius folded, tumbling down the ropes and the referee didn’t even look to make a count, it was over so quickly.
Joshua celebrates by leaping outside the ring and embracing UFC superstar Conor McGregor.
