- Former heavyweight champion lands powerful straight right
- Late substitute survives pedestrian first six rounds
Anthony Joshua knocked out Robert Helenius with a brutal right cross in the seventh round of their heavyweight fight late on Saturday night. The end was as swift and conclusive as the previous six rounds had been pedestrian. It was a reminder, after a dreary prelude, that Joshua still retains serious punching power. Helenius fell so heavily to the canvas that it appeared as if he had lost consciousness as he hit the ground. Fortunately, he was eventually helped to his feet and he congratulated Joshua.
Helenius was the more aggressive fighter in the opening round, without landing any notable punches, as Joshua opted for a cautious approach against his marginally taller opponent from Finland. Joshua was more purposeful two minutes into the second round as he threw a brief flurry of punches which forced Helenius back against the ropes. They swapped respectful nods at the bell as if to thank each other for the lack of punishment in those first six minutes of wary sparring.
