Anthony Joshua vs Robert Helenius

Anthony Joshua vs Robert Helenius, was a heavyweight professional boxing match between former WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO heavyweight champion, Briton, Anthony Joshua and Robert Helenius of Finland.

Anthony Joshua vs. Robert Helenius
DateAugust 12, 2023
VenueThe O2 Arena, Greenwich, London, England
Tale of the tape
Boxer Anthony Joshua Robert Helenius
Nickname AJ The Nordic Nightmare
Hometown Watford, England Lumparland, Åland, Finland
Pre-fight record 25–3–0 (22 KO) 32–4–0 (21 KO)
Height 6 ft 6 in (198 cm)[1] 6 ft 7 in (201 cm)[2]
Weight 250 lb (113 kg) 249.4 lb (113 kg)
Style Orthodox Orthodox
Recognition Former WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO heavyweight champion
Result
Joshua defeated Helenius via round 7 KO.[3]

The bout was originally scheduled as Dillian Whyte vs. Anthony Joshua II, a rematch of the 12 December 2015 bout. This was cancelled and Helenius replaced Whyte after Whyte returned a positive drug test conducted by the voluntary anti-doping agency.[4][5][6]

The bout took place on 12 August 2023 at The O2 Arena in London, England. Joshua defeated Helenius via knockout in the 7th round.[3]

Background

Following Joshua's unanimous decision victory against Jermaine Franklin in April 2023, Joshua stated that he plans to have one more bout before his rumoured bout with Deontay Wilder in Saudi Arabia. On 6 July, 2023 it was announced that Joshua would rematch Dillian Whyte on 12 August at The O2 Arena in London, England on DAZN PPV. On 5 August, it was announced that Whyte returned a positive drug test conducted by the voluntary anti-doping agency.[7] A number of individuals such as Gerald Washington and Derek Chisora were considered to replace Whyte. Helenius was announced on 8 August 2023 as the replacement fighter.[8][9] After Whyte's removal from the card, the fight was made free-to-air[10]

Fight card
Weight Class vs. Method Round Time Notes
Main Card
Heavyweight Anthony Joshua def. Robert Helenius KO 7/12 1:27
Heavyweight Derek Chisora def. Gerald Washington UD 10
Heavyweight Filip Hrgović def. Demsey McKean TKO 12 1:01
Heavyweight Johnny Fisher def. Harry Armstrong TKO 7/8 1:19 Note 1
Super lightweight Campbell Hatton def. Tom Ansell UD 8
Preliminary Card
Middleweight George Liddard def. Bas Oosterweghe UD 6
Featherweight Brandon Scott def. Louis Norman UD 6
Super flyweight Maiseyrose Courtney def. Gemma Ruegg UD 6

^Note 1 For vacant Southern Area heavyweight championship

References
  1. "BoxRec: Anthony Joshua". BoxRec. Retrieved August 12, 2023.
  2. "BoxRec: Robert Helenius". BoxRec. Retrieved August 12, 2023.
  3. Walker, Christopher (August 12, 2023). "Anthony Joshua sets up Deontay Wilder clash with stunning right hand to finish Robert Helenius". DAZN.
  4. "'Have you got a problem?' – Anthony Joshua in heated exchange with Robert Helenius during fiery final face-off at weigh-in". talksport.com. August 11, 2023.}
  5. "Anthony Joshua's new opponent? Gerald Washington would step in while Robert Helenius is 'seriously considered' too". skysports.com. August 7, 2023.
  6. "Anthony Joshua sets Robert Helenius as replacement opponent for Dillian Whyte 'I am a true Viking!'". talksport.com. August 8, 2023.
  7. Brookhouse, Brent (August 7, 2023). "Anthony Joshua vs. Dillian Whyte 2: Rematch canceled after Whyte fails drug test ahead of fight". CBS.
  8. "Anthony Joshua's new opponent? Gerald Washington would step in while Robert Helenius is 'seriously considered' too". skysports.com. August 7, 2023.
  9. "Helenius steps in to fight Joshua as Whyte replacement". ESPN. August 8, 2023.
  10. "Anthony Joshua v Dillian Whyte: Heavyweight rematch to take place on 12 August in London". BBC. July 6, 2023.
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