By James Slater: The smoke is still clearing from Saturday night’s controversially-scored heavyweight clash between Finn Robert Helenius and Brit Dereck Chisora. Many fans and experts (including ace trainer Freddie Roach no less) have called the 12-round split decision that was awarded to the unbeaten “Nordic Nightmare” one of the worst in a year that has seen its share of debatable officiating from the three wise men who have that privileged, well paid seat at ringside (think Paul Williams-Erislandy Lara, Manny Pacquiao-Juan Manuel Marquez III).
I myself had “Del Boy” winning by a three-point margin; while other writers and fans had the Londoner winning by an even bigger margin. I have yet to hear from anyone outside of a diehard Helenius fan who had the new European champ winning. The question is: will the two big men do it again in a rematch?
Aside from the controversy necessitating a return match, the fight on Saturday produced the type of great action that usually leads to a second, or even third fight. For although the shoddy scoring has dominated the headlines, it must not be forgotten how exciting the 12-rounder was (even though the referee, with his constant warnings to Chisora, had a good go at ruining the flow of the action).
At times the two traded in edge of your seat fashion, the two heavies taking turns landing heavy shots. Practically everyone who saw the fight immediately called for a part-two, and hopefully the powers that be will see to it.
Helenius must defend his new European belt against Alexander Dimitrenko, but he could face Chisora after that. Or maybe, as some experts have suggested, Helenius will opt to give up his new crown – that way he could fight whoever he chooses in his next bout. Helenius, when asked post-fight if he’d like to have a return with Chisora, replied “why not?” Why not indeed? In fact, how on earth not, would be a better question.
Promoter Frank Warren, who looks after Chisora, has gone as far as to call Saturday night’s verdict “one of the worst I’ve seen in the sport in a very long time.” Warren added how he will be speaking to the EBU with regards to the organisation ordering “an immediate rematch.” Again, Helenius, if he wants to fulfil his European title demands, will face Dimitrenko next, but he may vacate instead.
It would be a much bigger, more eagerly anticipated fight if Helenius and Chisora met for a second time. Not too many people expected such a good fight in Finland, but now that we know how well the styles of the two men gel, the buzz approaching a fight-two would be quite something. Both men showed at the weekend that they are both worthy world title contenders, and the idea of either guy facing a Klitschko and giving at least a good account of himself cannot be ruled out.
As has been said already, Chisora, even in defeat (a highly debatable defeat at that) fought hard enough and well enough to have redeemed himself for the poor showing he gave against Tyson Fury earlier this year. Proving he does have the heart and the stamina to fight at a fierce pace for all 12-rounds, Chisora elevated himself to top contender status. It may seem strange indeed, but even though Fury defeated Chisora, “Del Boy,” in my opinion, has more of a shot at ever reaching the very top than Fury does.
As for Helenius, if he doesn’t fight either Dimitrenko or Chisora next, a fight between he and Fury would be a great and highly exciting move for both unbeaten contenders.