Robert Helenius Knocks Out Sergei Liakhovich in Ninth Round (Video)
by Scott Christ on Aug 28, 2011 2:57 AM EDT
in Boxing Video
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PrintFor those who missed it, I do recommend watching the entire fight between Robert Helenius and Sergei Liakhovich from Saturday afternoon in Germany, as it was one of the better big man fights of the year, but here's the finish for those who want to see it, or who want to relive it:
I've said countless times that I'm not a particularly big heavyweight boxing fan. Never have preferred the big boys to the smaller divisions. Probably never will. But we also had a discussion between the Povetkin vs Chagaev fight and this one in yesterday's live thread about the appeal of the heavyweights, and in particular the big guys who can be called home run hitters. I argued that one of the problems is that there aren't many true home run hitters in the division these days.
Now Robert Helenius might not be a special fighter. He might never be truly great, or a best in the world sort of guy. But in his last two fights, he's had troubles with former titlists Samuel Peter and Sergei Liakhovich, but he's knocked them both out. He seems to have good stamina, he's got good power, and he has been able to grind down his opponents and then get them out of there. And this was one hell of a finish for sure. Liakhovich had put in a very good effort in this fight, but was knocked down late in the eighth, and Helenius finished him off in the ninth. He did much the same with Peter. Now that's a guy I'll happily tune in to see. He's a finisher, and he just might be a home run hitter.
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1. Nasty knockout. Rarely see a fight get waved off moments before the guy hits the dirt like that. If Helenius keeps it up, he’ll get his cult following for sure. I’ll be paying a bit more attention, that’s for damn sure.
2. Helenius’ trunks are the default trunks in the create a boxer mode in fight night 4/champion. Felt like that needed to be pointed out. You’re welcome.
I said the same damn thing about those trunks in the live thread:) Also mentioned that his name (back of trunks) was falling off from about Round 2 onward.
Helenius finished nicely, but looked plenty flawed before that against a guy who was very game (and possibly winning the fight) but who I’d given up for dead years ago. This one won’t win me over yet to rooting for a boxing Dirk Novitzki with no hairline, but sure, I’ll keep my eye on him.
A real blUe collar guy. Nothing flashy, but he gets the job done. I like him a LOT!!!
"Luck is when preparation meets opportunity." - Mike Quarry
Yeah, I’m becoming a bigger fan. I had him down against Sergei, but he came back and broke him down.
Bad Left Hook
"To the town of Agua Fria rode a stranger one fine day..."
by Scott Christ on Aug 29, 2011 4:09 AM EDT up reply actions
I like Helenius’ ability to close the show. If he hurts the guy he goes for the kill. Have you seen David Price fight? He’s another big lad (6’ 8" I think) and definitely looks as if he could make some waves. Nice straight punches with a fair bit of pop. He looks more technically correct than Fury & Helenius. Would love to see him up against them soon.
It is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves.
- Edmund Hillary
by Stevosaurus Rex on Aug 29, 2011 7:29 AM EDT up reply actions
He looks more technically correct
My thoughts exactly. I have said the same thing before.
Fury, Helenius and Price could be the new big names on the block, although Price is less proven at this stage.
I like Price and have done ever since watching him win the Bronze medal in the 2008 Olympics, however my main concern with him is his punch resistance. Not that he doesn’t have any, just that his chin hasn’t really been tested yet in the pros .
He was stopped one or two times in the ams but the stoppage i saw in the Olympic semi-final was against Roberto Camarelle who is an excellent Olympic and World champion (mutli-time) and can also bang. Camarelle will likely be the favourite in 2012 too if he takes part. IIRC, Price was also on his feet when stopped so it was more of a TKO, not a blowout.
All three have power but i agree that Price has the better technique and fundamentals, due mainly to his somewhat sucessful, international amateur career.
Fury and Price could be in line for a rematch of their amateur fight (which Price won) sometime next year. I think Fury is likely more durable/tougher, has the better chin and is more of a fighter, but Price has the advantages in power and technique, as mentioned, imo.
Could eb a toss up and i hope they both achieve success in the pros.
by Matt Mosley on Aug 29, 2011 11:07 AM EDT up reply actions
After having accomplished an impressive hat trick of stoppage victories over 6′4″ Siarhei "White Wolf" Liakhovich, fellow nightmare Samuel Peter, and Lamon "Relentless" Brewster, Robert "The Nordic Nightmare" Helenius is capturing the attention and respect of global boxing fans in a somewhat atypical way.
"Luck is when preparation meets opportunity." - Mike Quarry
Where does he go from here?
Helenius has a lot to learn, but he’s had under 20 fights and has the time to learn it. He’s fought the best competition this year out there of the top 10 heavyweights at this point other than Povetkin or the Klitschkos.
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