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The Unusual Challenge for Robert Helenius
Boxing fans are buzzing with excitement as Robert Helenius prepares to step into the ring twice in just one week. The bearded 6ft 7in Finn has taken over as a last-minute substitute for Dillian Whyte, who failed a drug test. Helenius will be facing off against Anthony Joshua at London's O2 Arena on Saturday, providing the British heavyweight champion with some much-needed target practice.
A Throwback to Remarkable Times
While the idea of fighting twice in such a short span may raise eyebrows today, it was a common occurrence in the 1930s. Henry Armstrong, who stood at just 5ft 5in tall, was a true anomaly of the boxing world. He remains the only man to hold world championships in three different weight classes simultaneously. In October 1939, Armstrong defended his welterweight title an astonishing five times across five different cities in just 21 days.
Joshua vs. Helenius: Predictions
Anthony Joshua is heavily favored to triumph over Helenius, with odds of 1-16 in his favor. It is anticipated that Joshua will secure a knockout victory and provide an entertaining spectacle for the Saudi Arabian contingent in attendance, who are finalizing details for his highly anticipated clash with Deontay Wilder in January. However, it's worth noting that expectations were also high in Joshua's last fight against Jermaine Franklin, yet he struggled to a dull points victory.
Joshua is well aware that Helenius has nothing to lose in this bout, and that his opponent's past victories against Derek Chisora and Sam Peters demonstrate his capabilities. While it's unlikely that Helenius will pose a significant threat, lasting six or seven rounds would be seen as an achievement for the Finnish fighter.
Reflecting on Past Upsets
Despite Joshua's odds, it's important to remember the unpredictability of heavyweight boxing. The infamous Buster Douglas shocked everyone when he knocked out Mike Tyson 33 years ago in Tokyo, despite being a staggering 42-1 underdog. This serves as a reminder that anything can happen in the heavyweight division, and no opponent should be dismissed entirely.
