Anthony Joshua comes out punching after knocking out Robert Helenius, saying ‘people need to leave me alone’, insisting he is ‘carrying this heavyweight division’ with Deontay Wilder next.
- Anthony Joshua defeated Robert Helenius in a seventh-round knockout.
- Fans vented their frustration over the fight with boos at London’s O2 Arena.
- Joshua was quick to silence the critics and defended his approach in the clash
Anthony Joshua moved quickly to silence critics who called his seventh-round knockout of Robert Helenius disappointing.
Joshua had faced fellow British heavyweight Dillian Whyte until his rival had to be removed from the show last weekend when “adverse analytical findings” were detected in his doping test.
The veteran Finn then stepped in and frustrated the two-time world champion to the point where jeers and jeers rang out at the 02 Arena in London.
But after successfully dispatching his opponent and recording his second win in a row on his way back, Joshua was eager to debunk criticism stemming from the way he won.
“People need to leave me alone, this is my time in the ring,” he said after the fight. ‘Let me keep doing what I want to do. Helenius, I told him to come back. I think it can cause a lot of problems for people.
Joshua celebrates victory while staying on track for a future fight with Deontay Wilder
Anthony Joshua defeated Robert Helenius after knocking him out in the seventh round of the fight.
Deontay Wilder secured a first-round knockout victory against Helenius in October of last year.
I don’t want to say too much. I want to see them (the fans) again two more times this year. Thanks to Eddie (Hearn).’
After Joshua’s brutal knockout there was brief concern for Helenius, who remained immobile but was able to get back to his feet before the two fighters touched gloves.
Joshua’s victory has reignited talk of a main event next time around, with Hearn even confirming that the goal is to follow up Saturday night’s win with a clash against power hitter Deontay Wilder.
‘It’s a fickle sport, you have to be real about this industry and not get sucked in. I have done my job,’ he said.
About Helenius, he said: ‘The guy has talent. I had to find out. I think he can cause problems for a lot of people, but I don’t want to say too much. I hope to see you again. I need to be busy.
When asked about the upcoming fight with Wilder, he joked: “I have a back problem. My back is gone because I have to take this heavyweight division to the top.
