Former unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua delivered a decisive seventh-round knockout against Robert Helenius in their heavyweight showdown, marking Joshua’s first knockout victory since his triumph over Kubrat Puliev on December 12, 2020.
Initially scheduled for his third encounter with Whyte at the O2 Arena, Joshua’s plans shifted when Whyte tested positive in a recent drug test, leading to his removal from the main event.
Stepping in on short notice, Helenius, who had just won a fight in Finland seven days earlier, took his place.
Helenius tried to pressure Joshua with an aggressive approach, but Joshua methodically built up his offensive tactics, relying on well-placed jabs while patiently waiting for an opportunity.
The breakthrough came in the seventh round.
As the third round progressed, restlessness among the London crowd was evident, with boos reverberating in the arena due to Joshua’s cautious approach.
However, he swiftly silenced the audience’s doubts by executing a rapid right-hand strike that sent Helenius stumbling after a combination of three punches.
Helenius crumpled along the ropes, prompting the referee to halt the contest without even initiating a count – the match ended swiftly.
In a display of celebration, Joshua leapt outside the ring to embrace former UFC champion Conor McGregor.
This victory holds significant importance for Joshua, who had been urged to regain his aggressive style following three consecutive fights that went the distance.
Fans were eager to witness his knockout prowess once again.
Despite Deontay Wilder’s first-round knockout of Helenius, Joshua can draw encouragement from this outcome as he looks ahead to a potential showdown against the former WBC heavyweight champion.
