Anthony Joshua knocks out Robert Helenius with a single punch in the 7th-round.
Firstly, this was a tentative performance by Joshua, Helenius had exploded in the first round, but didn’t have much success, and was torpid himself for the rest of the fight.
Joshua stayed reserved throughout the fight whilst it lasted, preferring to box behind the jab, utilising slips and foot-movement to negate Helenius’s offence.
For a late-notice opponent, I expected a more convincing performance from Joshua, but alas, Joshua will need to get used to his new trainer and methodology.
Anthony Joshua is looking gun-shy, and is lacking confidence in his ability; it is clear that he still has power.
I don’t think Joshua should be going into a fight with Deontay Wilder soon after this performance, I think one more fight will be required.
Finally, the following are fighters who Joshua could fight, to help prepare him for a match with Wilder, possibly next year:
- Frank Sanchez
- Luis Ortiz
- Agit Kabayel
- Andy Ruiz (trilogy)
- Martin Bakole