Robert Helenius says he’s been in deep water since his last loss. Helenius’s opponent is the CEO of a security company, according to whom the job requires “heavy entertainment”.
Heavyweight professional boxer Robert Helenius39, will continue his career and enter the ring in Savonlinna on August 5.
Helenius will face in his return match Mika Mielonen41, who has only been boxing for two years and fought only six times.
Most recently, Helenius fought a former heavyweight world champion in New York Deontay Wilder against last October.
Wilder knocked out Helenius violently in the first round. With the loss, Helenius’ dream of a heavyweight World Championship match was shattered.
Helenius says that losing in the biggest match of his career was a really tough place mentally. As soon as he returned home, he started training and found strength training to help him mentally.
– After the match, I didn’t feel like continuing anymore, Helenius admits.
– I trained for a whole year for that match and it ended in defeat. One blow changed everything and the mood went low.
However, during the break from intense strength training, my mind started to change. Helenius says that he has twisted “many wars” inside his head.
– It took a long time to recover mentally and decide whether to continue or not.
Helenius’ future opponent Mika Mielonen is represented by Pro Boxing Team Finlandia. Raamikas Mielonen started boxing directly as a professional, without an amateur background.
Despite his limited experience, the man packs a punch when he hits: he has knocked out all his opponents so far.
– At this age, amateurs wouldn’t have mattered. It will be 42 years this year, and there aren’t many left, says Mielonen.
– I like challenges and it’s an honor to be able to share a ring event with a world-class star. I want to try what my own spurs are enough for.
Helenius wanted to train immediately after his previous match, but distanced himself from boxing.
Tight and heavy boxing training was replaced by heavy strength training. Boxing training was just maintenance.
The experience helped in getting over the knockout loss.
– During this 25-year boxing career, there have also been losses. I know that if I keep working out, I will feel better at some point.
Faced with an almost impossible challenge in Savonlinna, Mielonen is the CEO of a security company.
– My work is demanding, so it also requires heavy entertainment. Isn’t boxing’s heavyweight division just right for that? I’m not doing this for the money, I want this challenge. That motivates me the most, Mielonen assures.
– In the upcoming match, we will both definitely hit as much as possible. I trust my own striking power. Can’t I at least get a say in the ring with that?
According to Helenius, he goes to the match against Mielo because he wants to test his motivation.
– My warrior soul refused to rest. After the match, I will decide whether the career will continue or not. I will continue if the motivation is found again and the candle lights up.
Judging from the preliminary settings, the match’s sporting aspect seems questionable, but in the heavyweight division they hit really hard and a surprise is always possible.
One punch is enough, as seen in Helenius’ previous fight against Wilder.
Helenius says that he has watched Mielonen’s matches and knows his punching power.
– Yes, you have to be careful there. You can’t take those blows on the chin.
Ilta-Sanomat was the first to report on the match between Helenius and Mielonen.