Anthony Joshua wins by 7th-Round TKO over Robert Helenius

Live results: Anthony Joshua defeats Robert Helenius by way of seventh-round TKO (1:27)

Former two-time world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua will fight this week after Robert Helenius decided to step in for the suspended Dillian Whyte on short notice. The 12-round bout will take place at the O2 Arena in London on Saturday, August 12.

Whyte was suspended after failing a drug test last week. The fight was originally scheduled for PPV, but now will be streamed live on DAZN starting at 2 p.m. ET.

Joshua is hoping to put his name back in the mix for a title shot down the road or possibly a non-title superfight against Deontay Wilder. The 33-year-old remains a huge draw overseas and was expecting a huge crowd for the third fight against Whyte. Joshua’s biggest victory to date was against Wladimir Klitschko on April 29, 2017, where he became the unified heavyweight champion after an 11th round TKO. He lost his titles in a major upset to Andy Ruiz on June 1, 2019, but regained the titles by outpointing Ruiz in a 12-round decision on December 7, 2019. He lost the titles again on September 25, 2021 to Oleksandr Usyk and also lost the rematch by split decision on August 20, 2022.

Helenius, 39, just fought last week and quickly dispatched Mike Mielonen with a third-round knockout. Before that fight he was knocked out in the first round against Wilder on October 15. He has two wins over former ranked heavyweight Adam Kownacki.

Joshua comes into the bout as the favorite at DraftKings Sportsbook. He is a -1600 favorite while Helenius is a +850 underdog.

Anthony Joshua vs. Robert Helenius round-by-round results

Round 1: Joshua 10-9

AJ aims for Helenius right out the gate missing a right hand. Helenius not backing down and in the grill of Joshua. Definitely a pedestrian round for both sides as each fighter getting a feel for each other. Another big right misses for AJ, but he gets this round for being the more aggressor.

Round 2: Joshua 10-9 (Joshua 20-18)

AJ starting to the punches together, a jab lands followed by a strong right hand that grazes Helenius. Jab to the body from Helenius first aggressive movement from him all round, but not enough.

Round 3: Joshua 10-9 (Joshua 30-27)

Patient yet efficient AJ this round as he’s placing his shots a lot better and not asserting as much energy. Helenius looking to match but it’s become a bit of a chess match in the ring. AJ with a little attack to quiet it but not much there.AJ connects upstairs on Helenius with a solid punch toward the end of the round.

Round 4: Joshua 10-9 (Joshua 40-36)

Another nice right hand uptop from AJ and he’s landing well tonight. Helenius looks a bit fatigued and surprised by AJ’s tentative movement. AJ in full control and once again pacing himself for the knockout type of punch.

Round 5: Joshua 10-9 (Joshua 50-45)

Helenius lands his best punch of the fight as the two men exchange simultaneous jabs. Now AJ has turned it up a notch and looks back in championship form. Sneaks in a very good left hook as blood is now visible on the face of Helenius.

Round 6: Joshua 10-9 (Joshua 60-54)

It’s been all AJ and he’s been dominant so far. Another solid right hand, once again the growth in how well he’s placing his punches should be noted.

Round 7: Joshua TKO-7

AJ is firing some real power punches toward Helenius and is hunting to end it here. He’s come out looking for blood like a shark in the water. BIG RIGHT from AJ and Helenius touches the canvas for the first time tonight! It’s over! AJ vintage knockout victory in the 7th.