Anthony Joshua is set to face late-replacement Robert Helenius this Saturday night, topping a bill that includes three other heavyweight blockbuster bouts.
Johnny Fisher vs Harry Armstrong
Johnny Fisher (9-0) has grown a substantial fan base since his debut in 2021, winning eight of his nine professional outings by knockout. Now, ‘The Romford Bull’ seeks to claim the first title of his career, meeting Harry Armstrong (5-1-1) for the vacant Southern Area title, who was defeated for the first time in his most recent bout against Jeamie TKV in February. Armstrong is yet to stop an opponent despite his five victories, but is a tough, rugged competitor that will aim to take Fisher into the deep waters of what is a first scheduled ten-rounder for both men.
Derek Chisora vs Gerald Washington
From a man at the beginning of his career to two coming to the end, Derek Chisora (33-13) has avoided retirement following on from taking a one-sided beatdown in his world title challenge against Tyson Fury last December. ‘Del Boy’ has been victorious in just one of his last five fights, but is hoping to get back into the winning column against 41-year-old Gerald Washington (20-5-1), who knocked out the headlining Helenius back in 2019. At a combined age of eighty-years-old, this could prove to be the last time we see either of these men and both will be looking to go out with a bang in what could be an all-out ‘war’, living up to the nickname of the veteran Brit, Chisora.
Filip Hrgovic vs Demsey McKean
Filip Hrgovic (15-0) holds the position as the IBF mandatory challenger for Oleksandr Usyk’s unified heavyweight world titles, but puts that on the line against fellow undefeated big man, Demsey McKean (22-0). The Croatian was underwhelming in his ‘victory’ over southpaw, Zhilei Zhang, last year, with many fans believing that he was the beneficiary of a favourable decision from the judges. ‘El Animal’ will attempt to silence any doubters feeling that lefties could be his kryptonite by beating the awkward Aussie, McKean. For the challenger, it’s comfortably his toughest test to date.
Anthony Joshua vs Robert Helenius
Finally, Anthony Joshua will take centre stage in his second fight under the guidance of new trainer, Derrick James. ‘AJ’ was criticised for not being able to knockout Jermaine Franklin in his comeback in April and will presumably be targetted once more if this fight goes the distance. Still, there will be scars of his famous defeat to Andy Ruiz from the last time he took an opponent on short-notice. The ‘Nordic Nightmare’s’ first-round defeat to Deontay Wilder in October will give the Brit confidence that he can register a second stoppage win since 2018.
As for Helenius, the 6’6’ Finn in entering the ring for the second time in just seven days, after knocking out countryman Mika Mielonen in the third-round of their fight at Olavinlinna Castle last weekend. His defeat to Wilder last year put an end to a run of three straight stoppage victories, two of which came over Adam Kownacki, which has thrust Helenius back into the heavyweight picture. However, brutal knockout losses to Wilder and Washington have left fans questioning whether his chin will be able to cope with the power of the once notoriously hard-hitting Joshua.
Joshua vs Helenius Live Streams
The full card will be available to watch live on DAZN at no additional cost to a regular subscription. The streaming platform also now has a Sky channel available to subscribers, channel 429.
When Does Joshua vs Helenius Start?
The main card is scheduled to get underway at 7PM BST, with Anthony Joshua set to ringwalk at 10PM for the main-event.
Joshua vs Helenius Undercard
- Maisey Rose Courtney (3-0) vs Gemma Ruegg (7-7) – Super-Flyweight
- George Liddard (3-0) vs Bas Oosterweghel (5-1) – Middleweight
- Brandon Scott (5-0) vs Louis Norman (14-13-1) – Featherweight
- Campbell Hatton (12-0) vs Tom Ansell (10-4) – Super-Lightweight
- Johnny Fisher (9-0) vs Harry Armstrong (5-1-1) – BBBofC Southern Area Heavyweight Title
- Derek Chisora (33-13) vs Gerald Washington (20-5-1) – Heavyweight
- Filip Hrgovic (15-0) vs Demsey McKean (22-0) – Heavyweight
- Anthony Joshua (25-3) vs Robert Helenius (32-4) – Heavyweight