It wasn’t the fight we expected as of last week, but it will have to do. Anthony Joshua (25-3, 22 KOs), fighting for the second time this year under trainer Derrick James, will face Robert Helenius (32-4, 21 KOs) live on DAZN this Saturday.
ANTHONY JOSHUA IS IN A GOOD SPACE MENTALLY, AND THAT SPELLS TROUBLE FOR HELENIUS
Before the fight with Dillian Whyte was canceled, a media roundtable with Joshua was conducted where he seemed calm and relaxed, contrary to his body language in past events. It could be that he finally found a trainer that compliments his style and personality while helping him improve inside the ring. James isn’t your traditional trainer, and it’s not all about what he says goes but more about what works for him and his fighter. Joshua being around the likes of Ryan Garcia, Frank Martin, Errol Spence Jr., and Jermell Charlo have pushed him in a way he hasn’t pushed himself before. This is all good for Joshua, and if he continues to improve, it means the heavyweight division can be in some trouble.
Fighting Helenius is just right for Joshua as not only has he been a long-time sparring partner for Deontay Wilder and has a similar height but it also gives Joshua a sneak peek of what that fight could look like. Joshua will press on the gas fast and early in this one and look out for that right uppercut, which has disappeared from his arsenal, to return on Saturday night.
All respect ahead of Saturday night 🤜🤛#JoshuaHelenius pic.twitter.com/xPKqc12Oah
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) August 9, 2023
ROBERT HELENIUS’ LAST ATTEMPT FOR ANOTHER BIG PAYDAY
It isn’t easy fighting in the heavyweight division, and Helenius is coming off of a fight that he had less than a week ago, where he scored a third-round TKO over Mika Mielonen. There aren't too many opportunities left for the 39-year-old who now resides in Finland, meaning he has to go all out on this Joshua fight. If Helenius can shock the world and beat Joshua, it could mean a career-high payday for him in the immediate future. Helenius has to hope that he catches Joshua being lazy and lands a big right hand to stop the fight. It’s the heavyweight division, and anything can happen, so will Helenius see success on Saturday night?
ANTHONY JOSHUA VS. ROBERT HELENIUS PREDICTION
This is the fight where we see Joshua display his dominance. At first, the height may be an issue, but by the third round, Joshua will impose his will and knock out Helenius. Joshua by third-round knockout.
Two MASSIVE heavyweights 😳
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) August 9, 2023
Tune-in now 👉 https://t.co/KW4OVexggM#JoshuaHelenius pic.twitter.com/yiJtOc4jcW
ANTHONY JOSHUA VS. ROBERT HELENIUS BETTING ODDS
Per BetOnline.ag, Anthony Joshua is the favorite at -2500 (Under 5 ½ rounds -115), while Robert Helenius is the underdog at +1100 (Over 5 ½ rounds -115).
Anthony Joshua: TKO/KO -425; Decision +425
Draw: +2500
Robert Helenius: TKO/KO +1200; Decision +2500
ANTHONY JOSHUA VS. ROBERT HELENIUS DATE, START TIME
- Date: Saturday, August 12
- Start time: 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT
- Main event ringwalks (approx): 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT
These timings could change due to the length of the undercard fights.
"I'm a viking and this is what we do" 😂
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) August 9, 2023
Tune-in now 👉 https://t.co/KW4OVexggM#JoshuaHelenius pic.twitter.com/ormEqvbBCX
WHAT CHANNEL/STREAM IS ANTHONY JOSHUA VS. ROBERT HELENIUS?
- U.S.: DAZN
- UK: DAZN
ANTHONY JOSHUA VS. ROBERT HELENIUS FIGHT CARD
- Anthony Joshua vs. Robert Helenius; heavyweight
- Filip Hrgovic vs. Demsey McKean; heavyweight
- Johnny Fisher vs. Harry Armstrong; heavyweight
- Derek Chisora vs. Gerald Washington; heavyweight
- Campbell Hatton vs. Tom Ansell; super-lightweight
- George Liddard vs. Bas Oosterweghel; middleweight
- Brandon Scott vs. Louis Norman; featherweight
- Maiseyrose Courtney vs. Gemma Ruegg; super-flyweight
