'Boos at O2'published at 23:33 British Summer Time 12 August 2023
Joshua v Helenius
Steve Bunce
Boxing expert on BBC Radio 5 Live
I can see why the crowd are booing.
Summary
Anthony Joshua knocks out Robert Helenius at London's O2 Arena
Joshua picks up first knockout win since December 2020 in stunning fashion
A clean right hand put Helenius out cold in the seventh after a tentative fight from AJ
Watford's Joshua improves record to 26 wins and three losses
A long-awaited showdown with Deontay Wilder awaits Joshua in January
Get involved #bbcboxing
'Boos at O2'published at 23:33 British Summer Time 12 August 2023
Round threepublished at 23:32 British Summer Time 12 August 2023
Joshua v Helenius
Another pedestrian start to the round and fans aren't happy as whistles and boos can be heard at the O2 Arena.
Joshua seems to have taken that reaction on board briefly as he launches an attack but then it's back to being cautious and patient.
Nothing big landed so far.
'They want heavy leather'published at 23:31 British Summer Time 12 August 2023
Joshua v Helenius
Ronald McIntosh
Commentator on BBC Radio 5 LiveI don't think the capacity crowd have come wanting to see the sweet science, they want some heavy leather.
'Surely we'll see more'published at 23:29 British Summer Time 12 August 2023
Joshua v Helenius
Steve Bunce
Boxing expert on BBC Radio 5 LiveI thought Joshua was using some nice footwork there. That's not why we're here tonight, we don't want to see jabs. Surely we'll see more.
Round twopublished at 23:28 British Summer Time 12 August 2023
Joshua v Helenius
Some really considered stuff from Joshua. He's being very precise with his shots.
Very little in terms of combinations so far but Joshua looks to be trying to set some traps with the jab. He throws one out, moves, waits for a response and then tries a different approach.
Image source, MatchroomRound onepublished at 23:24 British Summer Time 12 August 2023
Joshua v Helenius
It's a tentative start.
Joshua said he wasn't taking Helenius lightly and he's showing the Finn plenty of respect.
He lands a few firm jabs but Helenius responds with some decent shots to the body.
Looks like they are feeling each other out.
Not sure who I'd give that too. AJ, possibly?
Image source, MatchroomPostpublished at 23:21 British Summer Time 12 August 2023
Off we go.
How is this going to play out?
Some AJ v Helenius stats for youpublished at 23:20 British Summer Time 12 August 2023
Image source, BBC Sport
Image source, BBC SportPotential Wilder fight looms largepublished at 23:19 British Summer Time 12 August 2023
Kal Sajad
BBC Sport at O2 Arena, LondonEddie Hearn says representatives from Saudi Arabia are in London this weekend to finalise a fight between Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder.
As long as Joshua wins tonight, that blockbuster bout could take place in January.
With Wilder in mind, the big question is whether Joshua can match (or at least go near to matching) 'The Bronze Bomber’s’ performance against Robert Helenius.
It took Wilder just three minutes to finish off the Finn in October. Joshua meanwhile has not knocked an opponent out in the first half of a fight since 2016, when he stopped Eric Molina in the third round.
'Is Joshua nervous?'published at 23:18 British Summer Time 12 August 2023
Steve Bunce
Boxing expert on BBC Radio 5 LiveDoes Joshua look nervous or it that too strong of a word? Maybe somewhere in between.
'AJ's got to be firing on all cylinders'published at 23:16 British Summer Time 12 August 2023
George Groves
Former world champion on BBC Radio 5 LiveAnthony Joshua's got that experience, he knows what it's like at the O2 Arena. He's got to be firing on all cylinders. He needs to do everything to absorb it and take it on.
Postpublished at 23:16 British Summer Time 12 August 2023
And here is Anthony Joshua.
It's a very different entrance than we are used to seeing for him.
A violinist has stepped out before AJ to play the title song from iconic film 'The Godfather'.
That's all before he walks out into the arena and 'Insomnia' by Faithless takes it up several levels.
Image source, MatchroomPredictions - 'Can't see Helenius causing any problems'published at 23:13 British Summer Time 12 August 2023
WBO cruiserweight world champion Chris Billam-Smith: "Helenius can be quite tricky and awkward at times. He boxed last weekend but has had very little notice for a big fight. It might take a few rounds but I fancy Joshua to get rid of him in the middle to late rounds. I can't see Helenius causing AJ many problems at all. Even at this stage of Joshua's career, he can hopefully show improvements."
Former super-middleweight world champion George Groves: "I predict an Anthony Joshua win. The best scenario is he blasts him away in a minute and a half. The second most ideal scenario is he boxes well, makes no mistake, punch perfect and he gets rid of him in four or five rounds.
"The worst case scenario is it goes past six rounds. That's not what we're here for. The show was saved to see him blast him out within four rounds. "
Joshua's promoter, Eddie Hearn: "I think AJ will knock him out inside six rounds."
Postpublished at 23:12 British Summer Time 12 August 2023
Kal Sajad
BBC Sport at O2 Arena, LondonI can't spot many - if any - empty blue seats. We have a full arena. After a long night, they all seemed to wake up when 'Sweet Caroline' was belted out.
Postpublished at 23:12 British Summer Time 12 August 2023
Robert Helenius is first to make his walk to the ring.
His entrance begins with the sound of thunder before 'Ivar's Revenge' by Danheim rings out around the arena.
A quick internet search tells me Danheim is a Danish ambient and Nordic folk musician.
Medieval castle & cancelled holspublished at 23:08 British Summer Time 12 August 2023
Kal Sajad
BBC Sport at O2 Arena, LondonExactly one week ago, Robert Helenius was fighting in front of around 1,500 fans in a medieval castle. His manager was presented an offer to fight Anthony Joshua earlier in the day, but waited until Helenius had knocked out Mika Mielonen in the third round before telling the fighter.
With a family holiday planned, Helenius had to give it some thought. After about five minutes, he accepted.
His wife and children will understand, I’m sure.
Postpublished at 23:06 British Summer Time 12 August 2023
Obligatory play of 'Sweet Caroline' has just started.
That means we're not too far away from the main event.
'It's a crying shame and a disgrace'published at 23:05 British Summer Time 12 August 2023
Steve Bunce
Boxing expert on BBC Radio 5 LiveIt's a crying shame and a disgrace that Joshua and Fury didn't fight each other. We saw a unification fight between Errol Spence and Terrence Crawford and they made $25 million each.
Predictions - 'Knocks him out in four'published at 23:01 British Summer Time 12 August 2023
British super-lightweight Adam Azim: "Anthony Joshua knocks him out in four rounds."
Former super-featherweight world champion Barry Jones: "There's always a worry when you have a late replacement who is 6ft 7in and once was a contender. But Helenius isn't that anymore.
"If Joshua can stay positive under the guidance of trainer Derrick James then I think it will be a good fight for Joshua and will be finished within seven rounds."
Will AJ bring weigh-in energy to fight?published at 22:59 British Summer Time 12 August 2023
Kal Sajad
BBC Sport at O2 Arena, LondonIt was all nicey nice at Wednesday's news conference, Helenius was respectful towards Joshua and grateful for the opportunity. Joshua showed the same respect back.
Then, out of nowhere, the Finn seemed to irk Joshua at Friday's weigh-in, prompting the exchange of words and an awkwardly long stare-down.
In some ways, it was good to see Joshua look fired up. Now he must take that energy into the ring.