Anthony Joshua returns against Helenius

Mark your calendars! This Saturday, August 12th, the boxing world was eagerly awaiting the much-anticipated rematch between former two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte. However, fate had other plans in store.

Shockwaves rippled through the boxing community when it was announced that Whyte had tested positive for a banned substance, resulting in his removal from the card. But fear not, fight fans, for the show must go on! Speculation ran rampant as to who would step up as a late substitute for Whyte. Many believed that Derek Chisora would be the logical choice, but in a surprising twist, it was revealed that Joshua's replacement opponent would be none other than Robert Helenius, known as "The Nordic Nightmare."

Now, let's take a closer look at Helenius. Just last weekend, he showcased his prowess in the ring by securing a resounding victory over Mika Mielonen, achieving a third-round stoppage victory in front of his home crowd in Finland. However, it's worth noting that Helenius faced a devastating setback in October of the previous year when he suffered a first-round defeat at the hands of the formidable Deontay Wilder. This marked Wilder's first fight after enduring consecutive defeats against the reigning WBC and lineal world heavyweight champion, Tyson Fury.

Meanwhile, Joshua himself is no stranger to adversity. After enduring back-to-back losses against the reigning unified IBF/WBA/WBO heavyweight champion, Oleksandr Usyk, Joshua made a remarkable comeback earlier this year in April. He triumphed over Jermaine Franklin in a grueling 12-round unanimous decision, proving his mettle under the tutelage of his new trainer, Derrick James. This fight was crucial for Joshua's development, as he aimed to accumulate more rounds and adapt to his new training regime, unaffected by the change in opponents.

As the dust settles, the stakes couldn't be higher for both fighters. This bout could potentially serve as a make-or-break moment for Helenius, offering him a final opportunity to ascend to the pinnacle of the heavyweight division. On the other hand, Joshua knows that a victory is imperative if he wants to secure a blockbuster showdown later this year against either Wilder or Fury, the reigning heavyweight champions.

So, the burning question on everyone's mind is: who will emerge victorious in this highly-anticipated heavyweight clash? The stage is set for an epic showdown between Anthony Joshua and Robert Helenius, where the outcome will not only shape their respective careers but also ignite the flames of excitement within the boxing world.

Finesse Boxing