Anthony Joshua, who fought calmly, looked for a suitable distance for his right hand in the first rounds, and struck Robert Helenius when he was tired.
SpongeBob Forsberg,
Jari Kärkkäinen
Anthony Joshua knocked out of Robert Helenius in the seventh round of the heavyweight match.
Previously known for his attacking style, Joshua started the match calmly and did not immediately find room for his right hand strikes.
In the last remaining set, Helenius’ footwork began to fade and the protection trickled down. Then Joshua, who fought patiently, hit Helenius in the jaw with an explosive straight right hand, and the Finn fell to the canvas.
– That was a big bang. I don’t remember the impact, my fitness was running out at that point. Of course it hurts, the heart the most. I would have really liked to win this match. We’ll see what comes of this. It’s not time to throw the gloves on the nail yet, Helenius told Urheilu.
– “AJ” took it easy and then performed one of the best knockouts of the year. We think he can hit as well Deontay Wilderthe evening’s promoter Eddie Hearn said and told that they will try to agree on the upcoming match in the next few days.
According to Hearn, Joshua is now ready to face Wilder and possibly Tyson Fury’s after that.
– He is smarter now and knows how to take it easy. No more risk or losing. “You saw it today: he found the right distance for his right hand and landed a devastating jab,” Hearn continued.
Looking for a new boost in his career, Joshua, 33,’s previous knockout victory was in December 2020, when he beat the Bulgarian Kubrat Pulev to canvases. Joshua was asked right after the fight if it was a relief to get the winning shot. There was no direct answer.
– People should leave me alone and let me do what I do. This is my time in the ring. You guys have to let me breathe a little, Joshua said.
Joshua lost his IBF, WBO, WBA and IBO belts in 2019 For Andy Ruiz. Joshua regained his title after defeating Ruiz by unanimous decision in the rematch. The Brit lost his championship in 2021 after losing For Oleksandr Usyk. Usyk beat Joshua in the rematch in 2022 as well.
Helenius also experienced a knockout loss against Wilder in October. That’s when the game ended in the first period.