Britain’s Anthony Joshua (25-3, 22 KOs) is back after a short break. The Briton said that he did not intend to rest for a long time in 2023 and keeps his word. His opponent will be a boxer from Finland Robert Helenius (32-4, 21 KOs). He will replace Dillian Whyte, who pulled out of the fight a week before entering the ring.
Joshua was supposed to fight White, but will face a 39-year-old opponent. All because of Dillian
It seemed that the duel between Dillian White and Anthony Joshua was needed only by ardent fans of both. They do have a history, but it did not excite, given the previous victories and defeats of the fighters.
Dillian and Anthony are from different parts of London. They always clashed, and they also boxed as amateurs. Then White won, but Joshua said that at that time he was not yet a fully formed boxer, and Dillian was a professional kickboxer.
Not surprisingly, their first meeting as a professional caused a stir. At that time, two undefeated big and powerful young heavyweights. The conflict of areas, interests and records – all this is interesting. And the fight turned out to be excellent, and the final – Joshua knocked out the opponent brightly, putting himself much higher than him.
But time has passed. Joshua held titles but lost three times. Ruiz and Usyk twice. In the second and third cases, he had excellent fights, but still did not pull out. White also lost. Fell from Povetkin and Fury. All three defeats – by knockout, scandals between fights and good fights. But it was clear that Dillian had not improved. Perhaps even worse.
However, they sold the arena. The O2 Arena, where Joshua will still box, was sold too quickly. Even before the first press conference, Anthony and Dillian had a full seat at the stadium. Nevertheless, if this is a local fight, then it is interesting to many – London has filled its own arena.
But Dillian got caught again – doping. This is not the first time in his career and not the first time he behaves like this – he says that he has nothing to do with it, and in general, what are we pestering. And he has never proven himself right.
Finding an opponent a week before the confrontation is another task. Any middle peasant can do it. Because a lot of fans don’t care. But it’s Joshua. Anthony still earns more than other boxers in the world, tickets for his fights are flying, and he could not meet with a no-name. Here we needed a name, and a willingness to fight, and all other organizational moments.
Of course, my first thought was Derek Chisora. The main problem was that Derek is part of Joshua’s team. But he doesn’t care – he publicly agreed. The second problem is Chisora is fighting on the undercard against Gerald Washington. That is, the American needs to look for an opponent to replace him.
Another option is Filip Hrgovic. Same problems, except for Joshua’s team. Philip was getting ready to meet the Australian McKean. That is, again, the guest needs to look for a replacement in a week, pay fees, penalties. It’s all difficult.
Getty Images/Global Images Ukraine. Anthony Joshua and Robert Helenius (right)
The candidacy of Robert Helenius looked strange, although it appeared almost immediately. Because Robert just boxed. His previous fight was on Saturday, and in a week to go to Joshua? But the result allowed it there – Robert defeated the 41-year-old countryman in three rounds, without missing a beat. Therefore, health is definitely good. And Helenius agreed. The evening is saved, the show too – you never feel sad with a Finn.
Who is the favorite?
Obviously, isn’t it? Naturally, Anthony, and with a margin. You can bet on Joshua for 1.06. On his opponent – for 10. Somewhere the same quotes were before the bout of the British against Andy Ruiz. Then, too, the Mexican quickly agreed to fight, coming on as a substitute.
But the situation is still radically different. Andy was quite agile, fast and young. Everyone understood that this guy could create problems, they just did not believe in it. What can Helenius make of what Anthony didn’t see?
Robert is strong – that’s a fact. He is big and strong. A typical Finnish boxer who has a mediocre school, but thanks to his health and regular training, he has reached certain heights. What did Joshua not see or feel? Nothing.
Helenius is also just plain convenient for Joshua. Anthony is uncomfortable boxing with mobile opponents who work hard in the ring. Usyk, Ruiz – they hit a lot, Oleksandr – also moved non-stop. Robert is slow. He advances, throws heavy punches, presses, but does not count on the number, because he will not pull him.
Getty Images/Global Images Ukraine. Anthony Joshua
Overall, however, this fight is about Joshua getting his confidence back. Anthony looked bad against Franklin also because he was worried about missed shots. Everything has to change here. He says he has regained his confidence and will now show it. And Helenius is the perfect candidate to prove it.
Robert has been knocked out three times. Joshua is still hitting hard and is about to prove he made the move to Derrick James. It looks like it will be bright. And if not, Anthony can finish.
The fight between Anthony Joshua and Robert Helenius will take place on Saturday, August 12, in London. Estimated start time of the battle – 23:55 Kyiv time.
2023-08-12 12:45:10
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