Robert Hellenius has vowed to do “everything in his power” to deliver a stunning upset to derail Deontay Wilder’s plans to reclaim the world title.
Wilder will return to boxing after losing to Tyson Fury last year to win the WBC heavyweight title, the belt he once held, but will need to beat a well-formed Helenius on October 15 in Brooklyn.
For Helenius of Finland, it will be a big chance in his career. He knows Wilder well, has sparred with him in his last two bouts against Fury, and is confident he can throw an upset.
“I’m a different fighter than Fury, so he [Wilder] We will prepare differently,” said Herenius. sky sports.
“He put up a good fight in his last fight with Fury. Of course, those were really tough fights, but I think he improved every fight.
It took Robert Hellenius a long way to reach this opportunity
“I see him as a whole new fighter and I know people can change from fight to fight. I don’t think so.” [coming off a loss] he has a lot of experience. I think he’ll be a really, really good fight. “
Helenius had to beat Adam Konakki twice between 2020 and 2021 to reach this eliminator. “I’ve been waiting for such a big game for a long time. I’ve been preparing since January,” said the 38-year-old.
“It’s been a tough road. I’ve been boxing for 25 years, so I’m a veteran of the sport. There have been ups and downs. I’ve had a lot of injuries along the way, but the last few years have been great and a lot of good work has been done.” I was.
“People will understand that I’m not that old, that I still have a few years left.
“I’m still improving because I was able to have a good training camp after a good training camp.”
Wilder gave Tyson Fury a great fight in his final match
But if he did beat Wilder, it would be by far the biggest win of his career.
“It’s the next step. We have to prove ourselves in this fight to win the World Championship fight. It won’t be easy. That’s why we’ve been working all year. I knew I had to do it all, put it all in line,” insisted Hellenius.
“I feel ready for this fight.
Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk are expected to contend for the WBC Championship in the near future. Hellenius believes Fury will win there. “Because he’s so tall and awkward in style,” he said.
“It’s a tough fight to judge, but I’ll change Fury’s abilities and do whatever it takes to win the fight, so I choose him. He’s a lot taller than Usyk, so I’d probably choose him.” I think I will hit you.
“Heavyweight is a really interesting place right now. There are a lot of good heavyweights out there.”
Helenius wants to be the top fighter in the division
Hellenius himself intends to strive toward the winner of that potential Fury-Ushik battle.
“That’s the goal,” says the 38-year-old, who is guided by manager Marcus Sandman and Mike Borao, an advisor to high-ranking heavyweights such as Frank Sanchez and Charles Martin.
“Of course, we need to win every fight to reach the final, so we will do everything in our power to get this victory.”
Of course, Tyson Fury is unpredictable. Hellenius can’t be sure that even if he defeats Wilder and wins the final Eliminator, he will be able to take part in that battle.
“One day he’s retired, and one day he’s yelling at someone, I don’t know,” said Hellenius.
“I try not to focus too much on the future. “
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