Anthony Joshua clinches victory against Robert Helenius with seventh-round KO punch

Anthony Joshua vs. Robert Helenius Fight Highlights

In a dramatic showdown at London’s O2 Arena, British heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua secured a victory over Robert Helenius in the seventh round. After a cautious start, Joshua’s powerful right hook to the jaw ended the fight.

The win Joshua just clinched marked his first stoppage victory in two-and-a-half years. The win also set the stage for a blockbuster January bout with American Deontay Wilder.

“It’s a fickle sport, you’ve got to be real about this industry and not get caught up,” Joshua said on BBC Radio 5 live. “I’ve done my job tonight.”

In the ring, when questioned about a potential fight with Wilder, Joshua playfully quipped about his back and his commitment to elevate the heavyweight division.

“My back’s gone, is there a doctor in here? I want to carry this heavyweight division to the top,” he said with a laugh.

Post-knockout, a visibly smiling Joshua exited the ring, exchanging high-fives with fans and sharing a beer with Irish MMA sensation Conor McGregor. While Helenius required oxygen after the powerful knockdown, he eventually recuperated, left the ring unassisted, and conveyed his congratulations to Joshua.

Started slow with vintage finish

While the bout began cautiously and tested the patience of the crowd, Joshua ended it with a vintage finish that reminded everyone of his power and potential. While the British boxer struggled to find his rhythm initially, the fight’s climax offered a much-needed confidence boost.

Throughout the match, Joshua kept his eye on his opponent. Yet both fighters failed to make significant moves in the early rounds, frustrating the crowds up to the third round. In the fourth round, Joshua connected a strong left that forced Helenius to retreat, yet he failed to follow up with another attack.

A pivotal moment arrived in the seventh round. Joshua, executing a double feint followed by a powerful right, sent Helenius crashing to the canvas. The right secured a dramatic knockout victory for him.

Furthermore, promoter Eddie Hearn hinted at a potential clash with Wilder in the Middle East. Though the knockout was impressive, lingering concerns remain about Joshua’s cautious approach, which may not fare well against the ferocity of Wilder.

Fans want Chisora to ‘go out on a win’

Meanwhile, on the undercard of Joshua vs Helenius, the British boxing legend Derek Chisora battled Gerald Washington. Chisora managed to revive his career in the ring at O2 Arena in Greenwich with a crucial unanimous victory against Washington. This win was only his second win in his last six fights.

Chisora had a challenging start when he sustained a severe cut above his right eye early in the match. Both fighters were in an intense exchange from the opening bell, resulting in Chisora hitting the canvas at the end of round two. However, the referee did not rule it as a knockdown.

Despite the blood flowing from his injured eye, Chisora refused to let Washington gain a comfortable advantage. The 39-year-old pushed forward and outworked his opponent. After a few heavy shots in the end, Chisora convinced all three judges of his victory.

Following his Saturday victory, several boxing fans took to Twitter to convey their hope for Chisora’s retirement. While the boxer performed well, many noticed he looked slow and labored at some points of the match, which was a testament to his age.

Many also highlighted how both Chisora and Washington were already “past their prime.” One fan Tweeted that Chisora, for one, should “call it a day now” and “go out on a win.”