British heavyweight Anthony Joshua delivered a jaw-dropping knockout victory in the seventh round against Robert Helenius, electrifying London’s O2 Arena. Initially boxing cautiously, Joshua unleashed a single explosive overhand right that abruptly ended Helenius’ night. The triumph, Joshua’s first stoppage win in two and a half years, paves the way for a highly anticipated clash with American Deontay Wilder in January.
Reflecting on his performance, Joshua commented, “It’s a fickle sport, you’ve got to be real about this industry and not get caught up. I’ve done my job tonight.”
The prospect of facing Wilder also ignited excitement, with Joshua playfully quipping, “My back’s gone, is there a doctor in here? I want to carry this heavyweight division to the top.”
Post-knockout, an elated Joshua engaged with fans, even sharing a beer with Irish MMA star Conor McGregor. Helenius, requiring oxygen after the forceful knockdown, graciously congratulated Joshua before leaving the ring unassisted.
With his record extended to 26 wins (23 by stoppage) and three losses, Joshua’s triumph marked a confidence-boosting moment. The victory served as a reminder to fellow heavyweights that he remains a potent force in the boxing world.
Helenius, who stepped in on short notice after Dillian Whyte’s drug test failure, suffered his fifth loss out of 36 professional fights. Although Joshua struggled initially, the resounding knockout could reignite his momentum and send a message to his competitors.
Joshua’s entrance was nothing short of theatrical, as he strode confidently to the ring to a medley of music, captivating the crowd. Despite a cautious start, Joshua’s explosive finish demonstrated his determination to dominate the heavyweight division.
The potential clash between Joshua and Wilder has captivated fans, promising to propel the winner back into the world-title mix. While Joshua’s victory showcased his knockout power, questions linger about his cautious approach and whether it would be effective against the ferocious punching prowess of Wilder.
“I just want to see AJ fight someone of the calibre of Robert Helenius and treat him like Wilder,” former world champion David Haye said.
“He can’t just stand there and jab, it doesn’t work against Wilder. He will run through him,” Haye added.
Amidst the excitement, negotiations are underway for a possible mega-fight between Joshua and Wilder in the Middle East next year. Promoter Eddie Hearn is optimistic about finalizing the showdown, and the winner of this potential bout would undoubtedly be propelled back into the upper echelons of the heavyweight division, while the loser would find solace in a career-high payday.
