With a money spinning fight against Deontay Wilder potentially waiting in the wings, Anthony Joshua could be forgiven for focus on simply emerging with a victory against late replacement opponent Robert Helenius on Saturday night.
However, that is not the view of a man further down on the card at the 02 Arena, who claims Joshua “needs” to get the job done early against Helenius.
In a recent interview with Matchroom Boxing, Derek Chisora stated it would be “embarrassing” if Joshua doesn’t stop the Finn in the opening three rounds.
“Listen, I hope ‘AJ’ sees this. If he doesn’t knock this guy out in three rounds, it’s going to be embarrassing. He needs to knock this guy out in one, two or three. So we can have an early night and go home.”
“I don’t want him to try and learn or anything. Go in there and put this guy to sleep. With Franklin he was learning and getting his shots off.”
“The public need that from him. He doesn’t need it, the fans need it.”
Joshua had been due to rematch long time adversary Dillian Whyte, however Whyte was forced to withdraw from the fight after a VADA test he submitted was found to have an adverse analytical finding.
Matchroom managed to agree terms with Helenius in double quick time and thus the show was saved, giving Joshua another much needed run out under new coach Derrick James.
‘The Nordic Nightmare’ actually fought in a lowkey event back in Finland last weekend, however his last fight before that was a first round stoppage defeat to Wilder in October 2023.