Anthony Joshua's new opponent fought in ancient castle days before O2 Arena call
Finnish heavyweight Robert Helenius competed in front of a small crowd at a 15th century castle just hours before getting the call to fight Anthony Joshua.
The hard-hitting puncher had just been viciously knocked out by Deontay Wilder at the Barclays Center in October, and marked his comeback with a third round stoppage against unbeaten Mika Mielonen. Helenius towers over most of his opponents with his 6'9" frame, and Mielonen even at 6'3" and over 261lb was no different for their clash at the Operastage, Olavinlinna in Savonlinna.
A crowd of around 2,300 is allowed into the venue for opera events, with a similar amount expected at the boxing match which used the same facility, where the ring was placed on stage. The venue regularly hosts operas with crowds from around the world travelling to watch.
"Another victory in the resume," Helenius wrote in one of a series of Instagram posts. "Cred to my opponent. who could really take some hard punches and still fight back... Thanks again everyone for showing up and giving your support! Both supporters and sponsors. Incredible atmosphere when two real life vikings collide!"
Helenius is one of Finland's most famous boxers, and landed two of his biggest career wins before losing to Wilder in New York last year. He knocked out the previously unbeaten Adam Kownacki hours before the world shut down due to the coronavirus pandemic, before winning their rematch in even more decisive fashion a year later.
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In fact, he had a claim to the WBA mandatory spot that is now held by Daniel Dubois, having defeated Kownacki in what was a final eliminator with the governing body. He was considering legal action and even pulling out of the Wilder fight before eventually going through with the bout.
Robert Helenius boxed in a castle for his comeback fight (YouTube)What did you make of Robert Helenius' last fight and does he have a chance against Anthony Joshua? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!
But after the loss to Wilder, with his career in the balance, Helenius had to head home and begin to rebuild. His win over Mielonen was supposed to be the start of a likely longer process, but he now puts himself in immediate contention at the top of the division again by accepting this short-notice bout with Joshua.
It is expected that Joshua will face Wilder in a massive super-fight in Riyadh either in January or December, with this event planned to be a tune-up as he continues to learn under new coach Derrick James. But those plans could be scuppered if Helenius can upset the odds again, as he did in 2020 with his win over Kownacki, or other famous victories including Derek Chisora.
"I am excited about fighting Anthony Joshua on August 12," Helenius said in a press release after the bout was confirmed this morning. "I am a true Viking that is willing to face any challenge at a moment's notice. This is not an opportunity I was going to let slip away. I plan to make the most of it!"
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