On paper this looks like a mismatch, and it probably will be. This fight would never have been made if Helenius had been considered a threat. Helenius knocked out a non-descript opponent a week ago, his last effort against a top heavyweight ended in disaster against Deontay Wilder. Joshua has to prove that he is not afraid to go after somebody, which he hasn’t done in years. If he wants a fight against Wilder next he needs to not be the boring jab machine that he has become.
Will Joshua show what he once was?
Joshua since losing to Andy Ruiz a few years back has become a dull almost robotic fighter. He lost two straight to Oleksandr Usyk, but the only reason they were relatively competitive was because of Joshua’s size difference. Joshua has to come out aggressively if he wants to build some momentum going into a possible Deontay Wilder matchup early next year. Wilder easily stopped Helenius in the first round and Joshua really needs to come close to that performance.
Will Helenius pull the upset
No, he won’t! Helenius at one point earlier in his career looked like a legit threat to someday seriously challenge for the World Heavyweight Championship, those days are gone. He is a pro who gives an honest effort, but he is not on Joshua’s level. If he was on the same level he would have never been chosen as Whyte’s replacement. Helenius only real hope is to face a timid Joshua and take him into deep water and land a lucky shot, which is possible but not likely.
Our Betting Pick for Today – Bet Joshua by KO under 3.5 rounds +330
Anthony Joshua last won an in-three rounds fight in 2016, although it had become regular prior to that; only two out of his 18 fights lasted longer. If Anthony Joshua wants to return as title contender on Saturday against Robert Helenius he must show that he means business; this could be his best opportunity since losing to Usyk last March; look for this fight lasting under 3.5 rounds as your bet of prediction!
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Will Joshua show what he once was?
Will Helenius pull the upset
