Joshua vs Helenius Saturday at London's O2 Arena; Could Wilder be NEXT?
By Carlos Costa
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 09 Aug 2023
Briton former world champion Anthony Joshua battles Finland late-sub Robert Helenius in a Matchroom Boxing show this Saturday, August 12, at the famous O2 Arena in England, live on DAZN.
Will this fight be a walk in the park for the 33-year-old AJ?
Joshua comes from decisioning in 12 rounds American Jermaine "The 989 Assassin" Franklin (21-2, 14 KO's) at the same O2 Arena last April,
So, fans now wonder if the Finnish “Nordic Nightmare” has any real chance this Saturday of pulling off the biggest upset for 2023?
Most fans remember Helenius (32-4, 21 KO), getting brutally knocked senseless in round one by Deontay Wilder (43-2-1, 42 KO's), last October.
Still, promoter Eddie Hearn assures fans today that the 39-year-old Helenius is a tough opponent, saying "Helenius is quite dangerous."
At the end, if the favorite AJ (25-3, 22 KO's) wins over the 6′ 6½″ Helenius, would that propel AJ to a more exciting rumble, probably against “The Bronze Bomber” Deontay Wilder???
As a matter fact, that's the fight THAT boxing fans all over world are wanting, Anthony Joshua vs Deontay Wilder.
Let fans have that rumble for whatever heavyweight belt could be accommodated. We all know that belts are not a problem nowadays in boxing.
With the popular Oleksandr Usyk (20-0, 13 KO's) defending against Daniel Dubois (19-1, 18 KO's), later this month, and Tyson Fury (33-0-1, 24 KO's), doing his crossover fight against Francis Ngonnou in October, what sounds thrilling in heavyweights for fans to look forward to?
Joshua vs Wilder, no doubt!
For that, Joshua needs to look good against "The Nordic Nightmare" on Saturday.
Because, after losing his rematch, as well as almost his mind, following his clear defeat to Usyk, what AJ really needs is a blockbuster win over a colossal warrior as "The Bronze Bomber."
Only that would to rocket himself high into the hot names in the heavyweight division.
The author, boxing writer Carlos Costa, can be reached at carlos@philboxing.com and Whatsapp +639184538152.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carlos Costa.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
RAUL “EL CUGÁR” CURIEL CRUISES TO UNANIMOUS DECISION WIN OVER JORDAN “THE PATRIOT” PANTHEN
Sat, 17 Jan 2026Weights from Philadelphia
Sat, 17 Jan 2026Mexico Commemorates 12th Death Anniversary of Don Jose Sulaiman (Photos)
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sat, 17 Jan 2026MOLLY McCANN EYES 'HUGE' STATEMENT START TO 2026 AS SHE JOINS BUMPER WOOD-WARINGTON CARD IN NOTTINGHAM ON FEBRUARY 21
Sat, 17 Jan 2026NEW MAIN EVENT ANNOUNCED! RAUL CURIEL SCHEDULED TO FACE JORDAN PANTHEN IN MIDDLEWEIGHT SCRAP
Fri, 16 Jan 2026SMALLS VS RAMOS TOPS STACKED UNDERCARD FOR NAVARRETE-NUNEZ BLOCKBUSTER IN GLENDALE
Fri, 16 Jan 2026Usyk Linked to Zuffa Boxing Deal as Questions Loom Over Title Defenses
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Fri, 16 Jan 2026Abass Baraou: "No One Has Been Able to Withstand My Pressure!"
Fri, 16 Jan 2026Wise Owl Boxing Signs Rising Female Star Chantel “Chicanita” Navarro
Fri, 16 Jan 2026Mauricio Sulaiman: WBC wants to protect fighters' dream of becoming a world champion
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Thu, 15 Jan 2026Xander Zayas: "It's Time to Make History!"
Thu, 15 Jan 2026Weights from Trenton, NJ
Thu, 15 Jan 2026Pro Boxer and Recent Grad Returns for Fight Night on the Farm — Celebrating Stanford’s Boxing Community
Thu, 15 Jan 2026Jamaine Ortiz Aims to Derail Keyshawn Davis’ Undefeated Streak at Madison Square Garden
Wed, 14 Jan 2026“No bad blood from me”- Good friends become better rivals – Clarke is ready for Cruiserweight title Clash March 13 in Perth – Thunderdome 53
Wed, 14 Jan 2026