By Nurat Uthman
Anthony Joshua, the former unified heavyweight champion, secured a seventh-round knockout victory over Robert Helenius in their heavyweight bout, marking his first knockout win since defeating Kubrat Pulev on December 12, 2020.
Originally scheduled for his third bout against Whyte at the O2 Arena, Joshua’s plans changed due to Whyte’s recent positive drug test result, resulting in his removal from the main event. Helenius stepped in on short notice, just a week after his fight and win in Finland.
Despite Helenius’s aggressive approach, Joshua remained composed and slowly built up his offense with well-executed jabs, patiently waiting for an opportunity. It wasn’t until the seventh round that Joshua found his opening.
In the third round, the London crowd grew restless and expressed their discontent with boos, as Joshua refrained from throwing any significant punches. However, he quickly silenced the audience by delivering a powerful right hand that sent Helenius stumbling after a three-punch combination.
Helenius collapsed against the ropes, and the referee didn’t even need to initiate a count as the fight ended swiftly.
Joshua celebrated his victory by leaping outside the ring and embracing Conor McGregor, a former UFC champion.
This win holds great significance for Joshua, as he had been encouraged to display a more aggressive style after his last three fights went the distance. Fans were eager to witness his knockout abilities once again.
While Deontay Wilder managed to knock out Helenius in the first round, Joshua can draw encouragement from this result as he prepares for a potential clash against the former WBC heavyweight champion.
