What Dan Rafeal has to say about HW Robert Helenuis!

Walter Magnusson (Worcester, Ma.)


Q: "Hi Dan. I was wondering what your opinion is on a Heavyweight prospect I've been following for a few years now Robert Helenius?"

A: Dan Rafael
"Was once a good prospect and lower part of the top 10 contender. Then looked horrible in a series of fights (some of which I called as part of the broadcast team on Epix) and got injured. He just never got much better, never looked in top shape and seemed often to go through the motions. He's been out with injuries and promotional problems. Got a gift against Chisora. Don't think he ever becomes a top heavyweight at this point."

What do you guys think?

Unfortunately he's probably right. Shame, I had high hopes for Helenius.

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Originally Posted by Beanflicker

Unfortunately he's probably right. Shame, I had high hopes for Helenius.

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I was rooting for the Nordic nightmare too. lolol... but if he has peaked and can't turn it up, due to this that and the other, then it is what it is. He won't be the first.

He will go down a slight shade under Baby Joe Mesi. At least Mesi has a legitimate reason to not be able to compete again- a little hand problem on behalf of Helenius and a few lackluster outings should not put him out of the runnings.

I was looking forward to a Helenius vs a Wlad/Vitali/Stiverne/Areola/Fury/Solis/Thompson or Wilder showdown.

Sometimes heavyweights hit these kind of roadblocks and it sucks because consistency is what the heavyweight division lacks. You'll see an upset like Thompson-Price I & II, then Thompson follows up with a loss to Pulev who he didn't really test. You'll see spectacular head movement, hand speed, in a fight and then followed up with a pedestrian effort.

I'm not going to write Helenius off totally just yet. The division is getting to a point where all the top fighters are getting older and as long as Helenius doesn't age himself outside the ring or have journeymen rough him up I think he'll make a very interesting opponent for other heavyweights. He's big, he's a little stiff, but he used to have a devastating right cross.

Now HERE is where someone like Amir Mansour could make a statement. Helenius has plateaued but he's still undefeated, he's still somewhat dangerous....Chisora gave him fits. I like the matchup on both sides.

30 years old and doing jack$#!t for the last couple years...

http://static.nfl.com/static/content...F18AE39D&01NA=

I think on this one Fat Dan is spot on.

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Originally Posted by ykdadamaja

I was rooting for the Nordic nightmare too. lolol... but if he has peaked and can't turn it up, due to this that and the other, then it is what it is. He won't be the first.

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I can't even remember all the guys over the years I put faith in to bring excitement to the HW division over the last few years, but fell short. Sam Peter, Audley Harrison (LOL), Chris Arreola, Helenius, David Haye, Price, ect ect.

I was moreso excited about Helenius and Price, because they were huge guys with good power who could box.

Now all my hope is on Deontay Wilder, but it seems like he'll never fight a real opponent.

Robert Helenuis was decent and maybe can comeback. Maybe the injury he had has impacted on his career and he will never be the same again.

Hes another one hoping to get a payday before fighting anyone decent. Wouldnt have him beating any of the other top HW prospects