Anthony Joshua vs Helenius LIVE: Boxing result and reaction after AJ delivers brutal knockout
Follow live updates as Anthony Joshua boxes late replacement Robert Helenius at London’s O2 Arena
Anthony Joshua produced a devastating knockout against Robert Helenius to set up a blockbuster fight with Deontay Wilder.
The Finn, who stepped in on short notice for Dillian Whyte after a failed a drugs test, produced a disciplined display to frustrate ‘AJ’ for several rounds. But Joshua eventually caught Helenius with a clubbing right hand in the seventh round, suddenly ending the fight, sparking celebrations at ringside, including Conor McGregor.
Helenius had previously lost to Wilder, who was left in tears after stopping the 39-year-old in the first round in October. But now the Bronze Bomber is likely the next opponent for the Briton in one of the most anticipated fights in boxing history. The former two-time heavyweight champion could now face Wilder in Saudi Arabia, with negotiations for a January date already underway. Relive all the action, analysis and reaction from Joshua vs Helenius below.
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Chisora battles Washington on Joshua vs Helenius undercard
Chisora, in bright pink gloves and shorts, bringing the pressure.
This should prove whether ‘War’ has anything left in the tank, even against fighters a few tiers below ‘world’ level.
Derek Chisora poised to star on Joshua vs Helenius undercard
A cult hero, he’s near the end, but one last hurrah for Derek Chisora.
Hotel California starts to play in the arena, this will be a special atmosphere.
Gerald Washington is in his way, can the Briton blast out the American to spark one final run at a huge fight?
Sunny Edwards sends message to Bam Rodriguez
I've been waiting for this fight my whole life," says Sunny Edwards ahead of his fight with Bam Rodriguez on 16 December.
"It took one fight longer than we wanted. They couldn't run away no more.
“Bam is exciting, he’s got hype and traction to his career. We’ll make him look silly. It’s a pound-for-pound fight, we’re two top fighters.
“This is genuinely elite against elite. He should be here right now. I know he's running scared. He's backed into a corner. His world title reign is over."
Hrgovic lands final-round knockout on Joshua vs Helenius undercard
IT’S OVER!
McKean is gone in the 12th, but he staggers and holds on while upright.
Hrgovic lands a combination and it’s a belated stoppage, he’s got what he wanted in the end, but it was a poor display for long spells of that fight.
It was a lead right hook, it came from a low trajectory, whipped in high and the Aussie was gone immediately.
Conor McGregor arrives for Joshua vs Helenius
Conor McGregor has arrived for Joshua vs Helenius fight.
A huge entourage for the UFC superstar, the Irishman has targeted investment in boxing previously with his support for Katie Taylor.
McGregor is still to return from injury with his last fight more than two years ago against Dustin Poirier.
Hrgovic searches for stoppage on Joshua vs Helenius undercard
Chopping left from Hrgovic in the ninth and McKean is very tired now.
The Croatian is looking to close the show.
The Aussie is now breathing heavily, there’s not much left. Will we see a stoppage? Hrgovic just has to time McKean coming in.
We enter the 10th round and McKean wants to grasp control of the centre of the ring, Hrgovic eager to counter off the ropes.
Hrgovic and McKean stagger to 10th round on Joshua vs Helenius undercard
Hrgovic and McKean struggling to impress on Joshua vs Helenius undercard
Now into the second half of a content that is hardly thrilling.
A huge stage, and yet neither man willing to take a risk to grab the limelight - where have we seen this before from Hrgovic?
You sense once Usyk deals with him and he’s heading to the back of the queue, that might be the last we see of him.
Hrgovic looks to shine against McKean on Joshua vs Helenius undercard
An interesting start to this bout, McKean boxing nicely but Hrgovic attempting to take control.
This is a fascinating bout, with the Croatian so talented, but yet to really sparkle on the big stage in the pro ranks.
Remember, Hrgovic is in line to be Usyk’s mandatory challenger in the near future.
David Haye rates Filip Hrgovic ahead of fight on Joshua vs Helenius undercard
“He was very good, even 10 years ago,” David Haye said of the Croatian, who was in his camp to fight Tyson Fury, with the bout eventually cancelled.
“You cannot question this guy's determination, his chin, he keeps coming. Punch resistance, he's got it. He's well-rounded as an amateur. He's been there, done it. I thought he was ready five or six years ago for this level, but he's taken his time.”
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