Anthony Joshua has accepted a last second replacement to his originally scheduled rematch of Dillian Whyte after Whyte was removed due to VADA testing revealing adverse results. While those findings are sure to be appealed by Whyte, the show will go on as Robert Helenius has stepped in and already taken part in the weigh-ins with a confrontational stare-down with Joshua.
Can Anthony Joshua provide a signature knockout for his fans? Or will the “Nordic Nightmare” Helenius find a way to create a historical upset? Read on as we use the sportsbook at William Hill to breakdown the odds for this bout.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: August 11th, 10:00 P.M. (GMT)
Anthony Joshua is the odds on favorite, currently sitting at 1.06 to win this fight. Robert Helenius, while earning a third round knockout of his own last weekend, is currently at 9.00 for an outright win. Betting the draw will return 21.00.
The method of results wagers offer up more betting options, with Anthony Joshua by knockout at 1.20. Joshua winning by decision or technical decision pays out 5.50, still well ahead of the best odds for Helenis winning. Robert Helenius to score a win by knockout returns 13.00, with his win by decision or technical decision returning a payout at 26.00.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: August 11th, 10:00 P.M. (GMT)
There is no surprise that Joshua is the massive favorite here, even with these two fighting with normal training camps. However, there is something to be said for Helenius as a last second replacement. While Joshua is the much higher skilled technical boxer, he was beaten the last time he accepted a replacement fighter in Andy Ruiz.
In saying that, it is hard to say that Helenius is on the same level as Ruiz, but it is worth considering that type of payday. Look for Joshua to box in a similar fashion of his last fight, not taking too many big chances, possibly looking for the knockout in later rounds when he has secured the win on the cards.
The best bet for this amended main event will be taking Anthony Joshua to win by decision at a better payout of 5.50. Taking AJ to win outright or by knockout is not worth the return and makes sense after watching his last fight. We also know he wants to secure a huge fight with Deontay Wilder next and should fight smart in order to do so.
If you prefer to chase the bigger payday, you can justify doing so with Helenius likely to still be in great shape after a strong camp recently and only fighting three rounds. Robert Helenius to win by knockout is the best path for his side as the likelihood of outclassing Joshua for a decision is very small.
