Joshua had been set to face fellow British heavyweight Dillian Whyte until his rival was forced to pull out last weekend after failing his doping test.
Helenius stepped in as a last-minute opponent, but even pre-fight, the focus was on what was next for Joshua with talks taking place with American boxer Deontay Wilder’s camp over a fight in the new year.
Joshua fought off boos and jeers from the crowd at the O2 Arena in London last night to bring them to their feet in the seventh round after a thunderous right punch was able to knockout Helenius.
There was some initial concern for Helenius after the knockout, as Joshua left the ring to celebrate with the spectators in London, but he was later able to sit up.
Who will Anthony Joshua fight next?
Last night’s contest was always a stepping stone for Joshua and fans to an eagerly-anticipated clash with ex-WBC belt-holder Wilder.
Joshua said he is confident a fight with Wilder will happen soon as discussions between the two camps continue to take place with Saudi Arabia’s promotional company Skills Challenge looking to host the bout in January or February 2024.
Following his win last night Joshua said: “Any time is a good time to fight. It could have been Wilder eight years ago or Wilder now. It don’t matter.
“It is only a fight and boxing wins so roll on really. There is no worry to me when it is.
“I am just happy we can get the fight going and I think people appreciate that I am doing my best to keep heavyweight boxing on the map.
“Yeah, we’re carrying heavyweight boxing. I have believed that for years I have played my part in bringing entertainment to heavyweight boxing.
“That is why you are asking about the Wilder fight. I am not comparing what it could have been, I’m just happy that we’re getting this fight under way potentially soon because it does great for boxing I think.”
Positive vibe only! pic.twitter.com/PpS0ZkUHRc
— TYSON FURY (@Tyson_Fury) June 20, 2023
A highly anticipated fight against fellow British boxer and current world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury is also on the cards for 2024 according to Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn.
Hearn said: “It is the fight we want (against Wilder). We have a three-fight plan.
“It was Helenius, first Dillian Whyte and then Helenius, and now Wilder and then Tyson Fury. That is the ambition.”
Fury is set to take on UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou in Riyadh on October 28, 2023.