Robert “The Nordic Nightmare” Helenius built a long heavyweight career around his size and straight punching. The Finnish boxer’s early rise included stoppage wins over former champions Lamon Brewster, Samuel Peter and Siarhei Liakhovich.
He won the European title with a widely disputed split decision over Derek Chisora in 2011. Later defeats to Johann Duhaupas, Dillian Whyte and Gerald Washington interrupted his progress.
Helenius stopped unbeaten Adam Kownacki in the fourth round in Brooklyn in March 2020, then won their October 2021 rematch by sixth-round stoppage. Those two victories revived his career on major American cards.
Deontay Wilder knocked him out in the first round in October 2022. Helenius returned with a win over Mika Mielonen before accepting a short-notice fight with Anthony Joshua. Joshua knocked him out in the seventh round at The O2 on August 12, 2023.
A two-year anti-doping suspension followed the Joshua fight. Helenius confirmed his retirement in 2025 and moved into coaching at Nordic Nightmare Boxing in Porvoo and on Åland, according to Finnish broadcaster Yle.
His final record is 32–5 (21 KOs). He has left the door open to an exceptional offer, but no comeback has been announced.
Archived highlights from Helenius’s professional career.
Historical PBC on FOX highlights of the October 2021 rematch.
Historical PBC on FOX highlights of Helenius’s March 2020 victory.
Historical full fight published by Premier Boxing Champions.
Historical interview with Premier Boxing Champions after the first Kownacki bout.
Historical post-fight interview following the March 2020 Kownacki victory.
Historical footage of Helenius’s September 2018 bout with Erkan Teper.
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