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Anthony Joshua records 1st knockout win since 2020 against Robert Helenius, set for Deontay Wilder
British-born Nigerian boxer Anthony Joshua recorded a knockout victory against Robert Helenius late on Saturday, August 12, 2023.
Joshua was set to take on old rival Dillian Whyte, but the bout was canceled after VADA's adverse findings in his test results.
A late substitute, Andy Ruiz, shocked Joshua in 2019 to become World Champion; this time, however, Helenius was unable to pull off a similar upset at the O2.
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In the seventh round at London's O2 Arena, the former two-time world heavyweight champion stunned his late substitute opponent with a devastating overhand right.
Joshua left the ring after the knockout to celebrate with fans and shared a beer with UFC legend Conor McGregor.
Anthony Joshua on Helenius knockout
Speaking after the fight to DAZN, Joshua said, "People need to leave me alone, this is my time in the ring. Let me keep doing what I want to do.
"Helenius, I told him to come again. I think he can cause people a lot of problems. Big thanks to him for coming in and saving the card.
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"I don’t want to say too much, but I want to see you [the fans] again two more times this year."
In a matchup of two veteran heavyweights on Saturday's undercard, Derek Chisora battled to his 34th career victory over American Gerald Washington.
Filip Hrgovic maintained his position as the leading contender for Oleksandry Usyk's IBF title by putting on another unimpressive performance before stopping the previously unbeaten Australian Demsey McKean in the final round.
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Anthony Joshua on Deontay Wilder
Joshua was asked about the possibility of fighting Edo Man Deontay Wilder next, and he gave a vague reply.
He said, "My back’s gone, is there a doctor in here? I want to carry this heavyweight division to the top!"
Joshua did, however, hint at the possibility of having another fight at the O2 before the end of the year.
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