The 32 year-old blasted out journeyman Konstantin Airich in just 49 seconds last September to put the Duhaupas loss behind him and now lines up against experienced Argentinian Gonzalo Basile in Finland on December 17.
A return to the Hartwell Arena, scene of that solitary career reverse, is another step on the road to improving his ranking and Helenius is adamant he’s fully focused on doing a job Basile as bigger things lie ahead.
“I feel good. I am in the shape of my life,” Helenius exclusively told World Boxing News.
“Basile is an experienced fighter and it will be a tough fight, although I do see it as a stepping stone. He’s a big guy like me, with a long reach but I know I can get the victory.
“My aim is to first climb into the top ten of the rankings and from there challenge whoever is in my way.”
Asked about the Duhaupas fight and whether the Finn has revenge in his sights, Helenius answered: “I am a professional and it was a hard night for me. I got a little too confident and I paid the price,” the former European champion admitted.
“I want the rematch if the opportunity arises and the terms are good. I will take any fight that serves me best to reach the top where I belong.”
A rematch with Dereck Chisora, who many believe beat Helenius when they met in 2011, is another clash that makes sense and would be of interest should ‘Del Boy’ come through Dillian Whyte on December 10.
“It’s a good fight and to the winner I say, ‘bring it!’ – Things are interesting since Tyson Fury gave up the belts so there are opportunities for a lot of fighters. It has truly given a mix to the division.”
Quizzed for his views on a fight between Anthony Joshua and Wladimir Klitschko, along with who he sees as the number one in the division, Helenius gave a swift and eye-opening two-part answer:
“I would pick Joshua to win over Klitschko, and the number one? – He’s a Viking from Finland called Robert Helenius!”
