Social media platforms have lit up with opinions on the Nigerian-born British boxer’s return to form after three years without a knockout win. Fans and observers are buzzing about his prospects, particularly in the wake of his showdown with Finnish fighter Robert Helenius.
In the seventh round of the bout, Joshua secured his first knockout win since defeating Kubrat Puliev in 2020, putting an end to the debate about his knockout power.
Helenius stepped up on short notice after a highly anticipated rematch between British heavyweight Dillian Whyte and Joshua was canceled due to Whyte’s failed drug test a week prior.
Joshua is now expected to square off against American boxer Deontay Wilder, who achieved a victory against Helenius in October 2022.
Social media users are divided in their reactions. Many are congratulating Joshua, while others are eager to see him face off against Wilder.
On Joshua’s Twitter post that read, “Thank you. Until next time, God bless,” user Chima Obikanu exclaimed, “Odogwu is back!”
Felix Whale added, “Findwhosabi of the Year Anthony Joshua.”
Wole Lagos on Instagram cheered, “Bravo champ 💪. The trajectory can only be upward.”
Zambian fan Sunday Chilufa Chanda expressed, “Congratulations AJ! You remain our Champion. This is from Zambia, Africa!!!”
Among the supporters, Ktriggerz is excited for a potential Joshua-Wilder match: “Worked the jab well got up close in the 7th and laid him out cold. KO unleashed. Looking forward to seeing Wilder fight.”
Ejimmi_eg tweeted, “KO of the year, our champ… Deontay Wilder January.”
However, HamedBoxing cautioned Joshua, “Nice KO but If you fight like that against Wilder you will most likely get KO’D. If it’s a shoot whoever lands first wins. Wilder rightfully favourite.”
Despite the celebrations, some raised concerns. Mat Ashworth on Facebook noted, “Happy for ya lad but the guy fought last week. compared to a fresh hungry opposition. go and smash Wilder then you can dance about.”
Sam Xhiri6 agreed, “While I’m happy you got a good win, Helenius isn’t such a big test. I’ll like to see you replicate this against a better opponent. Until then Congrats on your win AJ.”
Mexyyy on Instagram highlighted Joshua’s performance compared to Wilder’s, “AJ knocked Helenius out in 7 rounds but it took Deontay Wilder only 1 round to knock this same guy out. If AJ keeps fighting like this, Wilder will beat the [expletive] out of him.”
Adejumo91 added humorously, “You can even beat old man Usyk, don’t fight Wilder or Fury because we go just sing WE LOVE YOU BUT JESUS LOVE YOU MORE.”
In essence, the online world is abuzz with reactions to Joshua’s impressive knockout victory over Helenius, with opinions ranging from elation to cautious optimism about his future matchups.