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Does this behemoth have a chance to fill the void after the K brothers exit? He should steer clear of them or atleast fight the oldest 1 first and dismantle him the way all 40 year olds are usually dismantled when fighting a 28 year old monster.
How would Helenius fare against Haye or Arreola? Seriously is this guy gonna make history or is he just another vanishing giant like Valuev?
He is a prospect and he is being brought along very well. You can see the progression of opponents:
He has fought some decent European level guys. He dispatched of former belt holder, Lamon Brewster. He took out Sam Peter.
They need to keep him busy. He needs to fight another fellow prospect like Chisora or Boystov or a young veteran like Arreola.
If he can keep passing the increasing tests put in front of him, then by the end of 2012, he'll be as ready as possible for a Klitschko or Haye. I'd favor the champs in such a matchup but Helenius is an improving fighter and we should know more by the time the fight would take place.
The big mistake most of the guys ranked in the top 10 (and the fringe contenders) is they are sitting and not fighting anyone good. They just sit and wait for the lottery ticket (a big money fight against Wlad, Vitali, or Haye). Only problem with that is they don't continue improving. They aren't sharp. They aren't prepared to really have a chance to win. Then they get drilled. If you want to beat one of the belt holders, you have to really prepare for it. Not sit around and refuse to fight anyone good because you might lose the lottery ticket.
Helenius has good power in both hands and a great defense. That's a good combination of skills to have.
He enjoys his work. He's focused and relaxed. Takes his time, has patience. Seems good humoured, listens to his corner.
Good counter puncher. He will counter and fight right through his opponent's most vicious attack. Doesn't flinch. Doesn't blink. Counters with real power.
Good jab. Good body puncher. Maybe a great body puncher.
Chin? Nobody knows. He hasn't really been hit yet, or at least it doesn't seem like it. I thought Peter might have hit him hard a few times, hard to tell. But it didn't seem to hurt him (except that one punch to the balls, I'll bet that hurt).
I think one of his major assets is his defense. Quick reactions, blocks most punches with his arms and gloves. He's able to back away to escape punches and he's good at ducking punches. Good counter puncher. Stays focused. Doesn't blink.
Helenius doesn't look much like an athlete, doesn't have a body beautiful like Haye, but he has power and he has stamina. And boxing's not about beauty.
Finally, the guy's got a real killer instinct. If he sees his man's hurt, he will finish him off.
His management seems positive, and he seems to respect his trainer. Hopefully they won't bring him along too fast. He needs a few more fights against better competition before we start comparing him to the Klits. But we can hope.
He is fighting Liakhovich in July...sounds good to me,even though the last time I've seen Liakhovich fight was against Valuev and in that fight he was outboxed by Valuev...I think that speaks for itself,but if Liakhovich comes to fight and is well prepared Helenius will be tested thoroughly.
Just read on a site in that David Haye is sparing with Helenius in preperation for Wlad.