Eddie Hearn has defended the choice of Anthony Joshua facing Robert Helenius, a heavyweight rival Deontay Wilder knocked out in the first round.
The Matchroom promoter faced heavy fire on social media for AJ picking the knock over Finn, who Wilder despatched in 177 seconds last October.
Following the banishment of Dillian Whyte for failing a drug test, Joshua was left in limbo. However, choosing Helenius – even as a late replacement – was disappointing, given that Filip Hrgovic is on the same bill.
On the face of it, the move is a clear sidestep of Hrgovic, who was ready to go for the same date on the same show. Instead, the drafted “The Nordic Nightmare” – a 39-year-old with little left in the locker.
Helenius was wiped out and needed scraping from the canvas after Wilder laid him out in an untimely fashion.
Promoter pleads Anthony Joshua case over Deontay Wilder KO opponent
Hearn seemed to want to skirt over that fact as he pleaded Joshua’s case of facing yet another fighter who is not considered a top contender.
“Getting the news on Saturday was disappointing for us, Anthony Joshua, and the fans. But we got to work and have done what we’re good at,” insisted Hearn.
“We have managed to keep the show on. AJ has been unbelievable throughout this whole process. He is someone who is ready to fight, having trained for twelve weeks in Dallas with Derrick James.
“But he has always been a great pro, but this shows me again his hunger for the sport. He wants to go out there this Saturday in front of a sold-out crowd at The O2 and perform.”
On the choice of Helenius, Hearn added: “There were a lot of options. But we had to ensure it was the right fight for the right deal.
“I think Robert Helenius is a good fight. Yes, he lost to Deontay Wilder, but that was by a shot that would have probably knocked out a horse!
“He came to fight. But he can really punch. He’s 6ft 8in and won at the weekend. Ultimately there is criticism in whatever you do, but I actually think this is a tricky and dangerous fight.”
Joshua vs Helenius is a lose-lose fight
Despite Helenius looking terrible against Wilder, Alfie Sharman – VP of DAZN – says Joshua could have his hands full.
“Robert has been in with some of the best in the division. This will be another hard night for Anthony Joshua.”
A win for Joshua will do nothing for him in the short or long term. However, the Londoner will be criticized again if the fight goes past a round.
Furthermore, it’s a lose-lose headliner for the two-time heavyweight champion.
Phil Jay is an experienced boxing news writer.
