Exclusive - 'I've beaten three world champs but Chisora is the toughest' says Helenius
When Dereck Chisora squares off with Robert Helenius on Saturday, December 3rd, the Finchley heavyweight has a huge task on his hands, in every sense of the word.
Not only is Chisora travelling over to Finland to face the ‘Nordic Nightmare’ on his home turf, but the unbeaten Helenius (pictured in training this week) stands tall at an imposing 6’6” and has dismissed an impressive roster of opponents during a brief 16-fight career.
Robert is 27 years old and apparently heading for major title honours in the near future. This vacant European title fight - Helenius previously held the EU strap - is a step along that road, but the man who has knocked out 11 foes is not underestimating the challenge posed by ‘Del Boy’.
“Chisora is a tough guy, he is a fighter and he can punch hard. I am aware of his power. But we have put together a plan how to beat him,” Helenius told BoxRec News.
The heavyweight prospect may be laconic with his words but his punches land with a sense of authority, as most recent opponent Sergei Liakhovich (a former WBO ‘world’ title holder) found out in the ninth round of their clash. Helenius has also beaten former names like Lamon Brewster and Samuel Peter, with both men failing to make it into the later rounds.
“Obviously, beating three former world champions was big for me, but I think Chisora is the toughest opponent. I know I need to be at my best to beat him.”
Robert is relishing a return to Helsinki, where he has already fought four times as a pro despite being based in Germany.
“There is nothing like it [fighting in Finland]. The crowd was superb during my last fight on the Abraham-Froch Super Six undercard. Things have been going really well. We prepared in Germany and yesterday we flew over to Finland. It’s good to be home. I look forward to the fight.”
Helenius enjoyed a solid amateur career, claiming a silver medal in the 2006 European Championships and turned pro under the guidance of German promotional powerhouse Wilfried Sauerland in 2008. His early victories include a stoppage over former British champion Scott Gammer. Like most heavyweight ‘world’ title aspirants Helenius has his sights set on the Klitschko brothers, who sit at the top of the pile, dominating their opponents fight after fight. One day Robert sees himself fighting at that level, but for now it’s Dereck Chisora who occupies his attention.
“Yes, of course I want to fight them, but all my focus right now is on Chisora,” he mused. “On Saturday there will be a sell-out crowd of 12,000 wild Finnish fans. It is going to be loud and I will put on a great show for my fans.”
