Chisora controversially loses European title challenge

The 6ft 7in Helenius remains undefeated in 17 professional bouts

Dereck Chisora failed to leave Finland with the vacant European heavyweight title as he controversially lost to home fighter Robert Helenius.

The Londoner appeared to shade the bout against the towering Helenius by staying the busier of the two.

He worked well on the body while Helenius failed to get through Chisora's guard and struggled to impose his size upon the smaller fighter.

However, the judges scored it 115-113, 115-113, 113-115 for a split decision.

Chisora has now lost two of his 17 professional fights but the former British and Commonwealth champion can take pride in his performance in Helsinki.

Chisora should have fought for a world title 12 months ago only for Wladimir Klitschko to pull out three days before with an injury. Another injury to the Ukrainian saw the cancellation of a rearranged bout in April.

Instead, Chisora went on to defend his British and Commonwealth titles against Tyson Fury in July and was well beaten.