The boxing community let out a collective sigh this week upon learning that an elderly Finnish heavyweight, who bears a resemblance to the mythical Yeti, has been chosen as Anthony Joshua’s replacement opponent. Ticket holders for the 02 Arena are now debating whether to request a refund or attend the fight in hopes of witnessing a real contest.
However, it is unfair to dismiss Robert Helenius so quickly. While he may not be the most formidable opponent, he is a slight improvement over the controversial Dillian Whyte. Similarly, labeling Helenius as a mere substitute does not lift any pressure off Joshua. Every fight following Joshua’s defeats to Andy Ruiz Jr and Oleksandr Usyk has become critical for his career.
Joshua cannot afford another loss, especially not against a relatively unknown replacement. The upcoming bout with Finnish heavyweight Robert Helenius at the 02 Arena holds immense importance for the two-time world champion. Joshua acknowledges the pressure but views it as motivation to focus on delivering a quick victory. He recognizes that a defeat would not only cost him millions of dollars but also tarnish his Olympic and world championship achievements.
On the other hand, Helenius sees this fight as an opportunity to establish himself among the top heavyweight contenders and earn significant purses from future big fights. He believes that defeating Joshua would make him the biggest star in Finland’s sporting history, surpassing even renowned figures like Maati Nykanen and Paavo Nurmi.
Joshua is aware that his popularity is declining as he transitions from stadium fights to arenas. This realization brings a sense of humility, but he holds no bitterness. He never bought into the hype surrounding his fame and understands that people are more attached to the belts than the person holding them. Joshua has focused on building a life outside of boxing, emphasizing his business ventures and brand marketing.
Nevertheless, he is determined to regain the adoration of fans by returning to arenas and eventually reclaiming stadium fights. Joshua believes that fighting the right opponents, such as Deontay Wilder, Tyson Fury, and Oleksandr Usyk, can restore his status as a boxing icon. While he acknowledges the challenge of becoming a unified champion again, he remains optimistic about winning at least one belt in the near future.
In preparation for his fight against Helenius, Joshua welcomes the criticism of being called “robotic.” He proudly points out that his disciplined style has earned him two world titles. His goal is to emulate Wilder’s quick knockout victory over Helenius and make a powerful statement to his loyal supporters. Anything less than a decisive victory would leave Joshua in a precarious position.
The highly-anticipated Joshua versus Helenius fight will be broadcasted live on DAZN this Saturday night, available through regular subscription.
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