By Jim Calfa: Substitute opponent Robert Helenius (32-4, 21 KOs) predicts he’ll shake up the heavyweight division by upsetting Anthony Joshua (25-3, 22 KOs) this Saturday evening.
If Joshua loses this battle, his showdown with Deontay Wilder might be off. These two are presupposed to battle in January in Saudi Arabia, but it surely received’t occur if AJ loses to the big-punching Helenius.
Promoter Eddie Hearn says he wished to make use of Agit Kabayel as Joshua’s opponent, however his asking worth was an excessive amount of. If Joshua will get knocked out on Saturday by Helenius, Hearn may have some remorse.
Helenius has been introduced in on one week’s discover to exchange Dillian Whyte because the opponent for former two-time heavyweight champion Joshua on the 20,000-seat O2 Area in London.
Regardless of his lack of preparation for Joshua’s fashion, Helenious feels he’ll be prepared for Joshua of their twelve spherical battle on common DAZN.
Joshua can have a giant benefit in hand pace & newbie pedigree over Helenius, and most boxing followers really feel this can play an enormous issue within the battle.
Helenius regarded gradual final Saturday evening, stopping 41-year-old Mika Mielonen (6-1, 6 KOs) within the third spherical in Finland. Helenius didn’t throw many jabs as he slowly walked ahead, fired energy photographs, and bludgeoned the inexperienced Mielonen.
“That’s my plan, and that’s why I’m right here,” mentioned Robert Helenius to Battle Hub TV about his purpose to shake up the heavyweight division by defeating Anthony Joshua.
“This implies every part as a result of I’ve been chasing world champion for fifteen years. I’ve not gotten there. I’ve had some accidents right here and there. I’ve gotten huge fights. In 2009, I knocked out Samuel Peter, Lamon Brewster, and Siarhei Liakhovich, however I’ve had a foul harm and have been lengthy away.”
If Helenius wins, he’d nonetheless must defeat IBF, WBA & WBO heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk, or WBC champ Tyson Fury for him to change into champ.
After dropping his 4 belts to Usyk in September 2021, Joshua is not a world champion, and it’s questionable whether or not he’ll ever be once more.
“I’ve been on this sport for a very long time, and I feel that is my golden ticket. Derek Chisora goes to be shocked. I’m going to beat Anthony Joshua on Saturday evening,” mentioned Helenius when informed that the British journeyman Dereck Chisora is predicting Joshua defeats him by a 3rd spherical knockout.
You’ll be able to overlook Chisora’s predictions as a result of Joshua is his buddy, so he’s clearly biased. Nonetheless, widespread sense would inform you that that is Joshua’s battle to lose.
“He’s a great man, and he has his coronary heart in the fitting place, and I’ve a lot respect for him,” mentioned Helenius when requested for his response to Deontay Wilder crying after he knocked him out final October.
“The battle didn’t go properly for me. I’d been coaching for that battle for one yr, however that is boxing, and these things occurs.
“I hope to redeem myself and present my value,” mentioned Helenius about desirous to defeat Joshua after which avenge his loss to Wilder. “It’s going to be a very, actually good battle. I’ve been coaching actually arduous. It’s going to be fireworks and superb,” mentioned Helenius.
