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:
A night of power, legacy, and UAE pride: IBA Men’s World Boxing Championships opens in spectacular fashion in Dubai
Wed, 03 Dec 2025OKC Thunder is NBA 2025-2026 Strongest Team
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 03 Dec 2025Who was Clever Sison?
By Joaquin Henson, Wed, 03 Dec 2025MATCHROOM BOXING RETURNS TO FONTAINEBLEAU LAS VEGAS WITH MURATALLA-CRUZ FIGHT, JAN. 24, 2026
Wed, 03 Dec 2025TRAINING CAMP NOTES: Undefeated Featherweight Luis Nuñez Prepares for Hector Sosa Showdown on PBC on Prime Video
Wed, 03 Dec 2025Darry Bernardo, 4 other Pinoys in hot start in 3rd Asian Chess Championship 2025 for players with disabilities
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 03 Dec 2025Two Pacquiaos on same card?
By Joaquin Henson, Tue, 02 Dec 2025OLYMPIC BOXING 4: 1924 OLYMPICS AT PARIS, FRANCE
By Maloney L. Samaco, Tue, 02 Dec 2025Cebuana Lhuillier-Backed UTP National Team Shines at 40th Penang Open, Captures Multiple Titles
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 02 Dec 2025WBC 63th Annual Convention Opens in Bangkok
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Tue, 02 Dec 2025Undefeated Brooklyn heavyweight prospect Pryce Taylor closing out a strong 2026
Tue, 02 Dec 2025USA Boxing Announces Partnership with Xempower USA
Tue, 02 Dec 2025THE RING 6: TEOFIMO-SHAKUR SET FOR JANUARY SHOWDOWN IN NEW YORK
Tue, 02 Dec 2025Undefeated Middleweight Dante Kirkman Set to Return December 11 in Costa Mesa
Tue, 02 Dec 2025Dejon Farrell Francis Turning Things Around
Tue, 02 Dec 2025