Anthony Joshua knocked out Robert Helenius in the seventh round in a thrilling bout at London's O2 Arena.

Boxing General

Anthony Joshua knocked out Robert Helenius in the seventh round in a thrilling bout at London's O2 Arena.

Former heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua commandingly knocked out Robert Helenius with one punch in the seventh round at London's O2 Arena to further his ambitions of a bout with Deontay Wilder in Saudi Arabia in January.

Joshua was expecting to face Dillian Whyte here until his fellow Brit failed a VADA test and Helenius stepped in on seven days’ notice.

And Helenius played his part here until Joshua found his range and despatched the Fin with a straight right hand that laid him out flat on his back.

The stunning win is Joshua's first stoppage victory in two-and-a-half years - sets up a blockbuster fight with American Deontay Wilder in January.

After the knockout, an emotionally charged and smiling Joshua climbed out of the ring, high-fived fans, and shared a beer with Irish mixed martial arts star Conor McGregor.

Helenius needed oxygen after the heavy knockdown, but recovered and left the ring unassisted after congratulating Joshua.