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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Joshua vs Helenius undercard sees Fisher shine
Johnny Fisher reaction on Joshua vs Helenius undercard
Fisher said: “I paced myself, I knew I had to keep something in the tank. I found something in the seventh, always in my head, 10 rounds is on the board. I've got to be willing to go that far. I knew I had it in me.
“Eddie said, ‘you’ve been in a good scrap there.’”
Hearn adds: “We need to stop talking about fisher the prospect, he’s a great British prospect, he’s fast, he can punch, he’s got a great chin.
“Tonight was a marker in the sand, everybody loves Johnny Fisher, but this man can really fight.”
Johnny Fisher analysis from ringside at Joshua vs Helenius
A hellacious right hook saw Armstrong collapse into the ropes, says Alex Pattle at ringside in London.
The ropes were the only thing keeping him up!
He got a standing count, which he beat, but you immediately saw a bad cut around his left eye…
Fisher immediately went for the finish, and the towel came in as he pummelled Armstrong against the ropes! Fisher collapsed to his knees in relief, a brilliant stoppage.
Fisher wins Southern Area heavyweight title on Joshua vs Helenius undercard
BOOM!
That’s a monster right hand from Fisher, and it’s the beginning of the end for Armstrong.
It’s a devastating seventh round, Armstrong sank on the ropes and got a count.
Then Fisher windmills, sensing the end, in comes the towel.
Fisher is the Southern Area heavyweight champion.
Fisher and Armstrong wrestling in scrappy bout on Joshua vs Helenius undercard
Perhaps somewhat frustrated, Fisher dumps Armstrong to the floor in what is more an exhibition of wrestling than boxing.
We’re going to the seventh round. Ten scheduled.
Fisher dragged into scrappy fight with Armstrong after fiery start on Joshua vs Helenius undercard
Fisher is more patient through the second and third rounds, while Armstrong - to his credit - is game, picking his moments to get after the “Romford Bull”.
Fisher is content to fight on the back foot at times, and to work the body.
Things get scrappier in the fourth round, though, and Fisher knocks Armstrong onto the ropes in a frantic finish to the round!
Fisher takes command over Armstrong on Joshua vs Helenius undercard
Fisher stings Armstrong with the first jab he throws then swarms him on the ropes and has him on the mat inside 10 seconds!
Armstrong beats the referee’s count but is clobbered by the Essex man in the corner.
Eventually Fisher has to let up and ease off for a while. Armstrong gets off some sporadic offence in that period and makes it to the bell.
Fisher vs Armstrong on Joshua vs Helenius undercard
CHAOS!
Fisher with a barrage of shots, 15 seconds and Armstrong is down.
This is an all-out attack, nothing coming back, but can Armstrong weather the storm? The crowd is alive.
Huge right hand from Fisher, then the piston-like jab, he’s confident.
Johnny Fisher ramps up atmosphere at Joshua vs Helenius
Really good reception for Johnny Fisher. His following has been audible and visible at a few fights now, but it seems to be swelling each time out. If he gets another win here, don’t be surprised if he begins to climb these cards very quickly.
The “Romford Bull” is 9-0 with eight KO wins.
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