By John F. McKenna (McJack): Twenty seven year old Robert Helenius AKA The “Nordic Nightmare” (15-0, 10 KO’s) will continue his climb up the pugilistic ladder in his quest for an eventual title shot when he takes on Sergei Liakhovich AKA The “White Wolf” (25-3, 16 KO’s) in July. The date for the showdown between Helenius and Liakhovich has been alternately reported as being on July 1 or July 16. A firm date will be announced later.

The thirty five year old Liakhovich is on the comeback trail, winning two fights since losing to Nikolai Valeuv by decision. The “White Wolf” scored a ninth round KO over Evans Quinn just over a year ago and now says he is serious about resuming his career.

Liakhovich is convinced that he will defeat Helenius and be rejuvenated in the process. Sergei is not intimidated by the size of the “Nordic Nightmare” and is excited at the prospect of facing him. Liakhovich feels that this fight will turn around his career which had been stagnant after the loss to Valuev. The former WBO Champ feels that his experience against fighters like Nikolai Valuev, Lamon Brewster and Shannon Briggs will be a big plus when he takes on Helenius. Liakhovich has made it clear that he wants to derail the Robert Helenius express train to the title.

Helenius, who stands 6’6.5” and weighs 240 lbs, most recently scored a ninth round KO over former WBC Champ Sam Peter and has exhibited a good chin as well as having punching power befitting his size. Helenius’s win over Peter was impressive however the fight did not go all his way in the earlier rounds. He was aided by the fact that Peter did not show up in the best of shape and he started to wilt in the later rounds.

What originally got boxing fans talking about Robert Helenius is that his size is roughly equivalent to that of the Klitschko’s and he appears to have the ability to fight. At this early date it can not be determined if he will be a threat to either of the Klitschko brothers. Fans, boxing writers and promoters are still taking a wait and see attitude, hoping that he will become talented enough to make a run for the title in the foreseeable future.

When Helenius’ KO’d Lamon Brewster in 2010 boxing fans started getting excited.

In April of this year his KO of Sam Peter increased the excitement. An impressive win over Liakhovich would put the “Nordic Nightmare” right in the middle of the mix of fighters looking to get a title shot.

The hype and the drumbeats would then begin which would propel Helenius into a title fight with one of the Klitschko’s. The temptation of a big money payday coupled with the hype that would follow Helenius at that point may get him into a title shot that he is not quite ready for. Hopefully the Helenius brain trust will avoid a hasty decision with a fighter who shows so much early promise. The heavyweight division in particular needs some excitement. Perhaps Robert Helenius will be the fighter to generate that much needed excitement.