Carl Froch has reacted to the news that Finnish heavyweight, Robert Helenius will be the man to face Anthony Joshua this weekend.
Joshua had been set to face long-time foe Dillian Whyte, but ‘The Bodysnatcher’ was pulled from the show at short notice after returning ‘adverse findings’ in a random VADA drugs test.
Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, scrambled to find a late replacement to save the show and confirmed that ‘The Nordic Nightmare’, Helenius, would be the man in the opposite corner.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Froch, believes ‘AJ’ has to put on a performance to send a statement to the rest of the division.
“You would think that Anthony Joshua will be able to put on a bit of a display, put on a bit of a performance. It’s a good fight for Joshua as a late replacement.
It’s basically just going to be a fight where Anthony Joshua can relax, enjoy himself, but he needs to be sure to put on a performance and show the fans and future opponents that he means business.
I’d like to see him box and move, show his skills and then finish the job. I expect to see him get Robert Helenius out of there before the final bell rings.”
‘The Cobra’ says the two-time former champion is under ‘massive pressure’ to stop the 39-year-old on Saturday night.
“Massive pressure on him. He needs to go in there outbox him, look good doing it and get Helenius out of there.
Listen AJ if you’re watching this, let’s not beat this guy on points, let’s not go on the back foot too much let’s not be too negative. Do that for three or four rounds, find your feet, then put a show on and close the show.”
Fans can now watch Joshua-Helenius as part of their standard DAZN subscription after a decision to scrap the PPV price was announced with the change of opponent.