By Jim Dower: Heavyweight Robert Helenius (28-2, 17 KOs) used his left-hand punching power to destroy 36-year-old Erkan Teper (19-3, 12 KOs) by an 8th round knockout on Saturday night to keep his career alive at the Ritter Sport Stadion in Waldenbuch, Germany.
Helenius, 34, showed that he still has a lot of punching power. Helenius wore down former European heavyweight champion Teper and knocked him out with left hook to the head in the 8th round to capture the vacant International Boxing Federation Inter-Continental heavyweight title.
Helenius hit the big 250 pound Teper with a big left followed by another left hand that dropped him flat on his back. Teper was far too hurt to continue and the fight was promptly stopped.
The victory for the Finland based Helenius was his best victory in seven years since his controversial 12 round split decision win over Dereck Chisora in December 2011. That was the high point of Helenius’ career. He suffered a shoulder injury in beating Chisora. Since coming back from the injury, Helenius has lost to Johann Duhaupas and Dillian Whyte.
Helenius has won 11 fights against weak opposition. Helenius looked good in going 12 rounds with him last October. Helenius hurt Whyte in the 2nd round in connecting with a big right hand. However, after that, Helenius gassed out and was out-worked by the better conditioned Whyte for the remaining 10 rounds. Helenius showed a lot of potential against Whyte. If Helenius was in better shape, he might have been able to beat Whyte or at least fight him to a standstill.
Teper tested positive for a banned substance several years ago not long after his 2nd round knockout win over David Price. The result of the fight with Price was later changed to a no contest because of that.
This win for Helenius keeps his career moving along, but he’s still going to need to prove that he can beat the better contenders in the dvisiion for him to be taken seriously in the sport. Teper came into the fight last Saturday ranked #7 by the International Boxing Federation, but he’d done nothing to be ranked in the top 10. For Helenius to get a title shot, he’s going to need to beat guys like Jarrell ‘Big Baby’ Miller Kubrat Pulev, Dominic Breazeale, Bryant Jennings Luis Ortiz and Joseph Parker. Helenius’ losses to Whyte and Duhaupas has hurt his appeal. Helenius will need to show that he can beat better fighters for him to get moved up the ranks in a timely fashion. Helenius has the size, punching power and the youth to get a title shot against the likes of Anthony Joshua. He just needs to put together more wins over top tier talent to get in position for a crack at a title.