Robert Helenius finishing his fight against Gonzalo Basile by punching him into the ropes during All In Fight Night at the Helsinki Arena in Helsinki, Finland on Saturday, December 17, 2016. Picture: Tony Öhberg for Finland Today
All I saw was Robert Helenius’ strong arms swinging and all I heard was thump, twat, smack! I heard his corner screaming and the next thing I remember was seeing the Argentinian heavyweight boxer, Gonzalo Omar Basile, hanging on the ropes in the Helsinki Arena on Saturday evening and the judge gesturing that it’s all over. For Helenius to win, it took exactly 48 seconds. The fastest knockout of Helenius’ career!
Basile, who had a winning streak of five victories and a career of 79 fights, didn’t have the time nor the opportunity to hit Helenius with a solid punch. Basile’s career was booming but the fierce fists of the Nordic Nightmare sent his professional boxing career downhill while Helenius’ improved in knockout speed. Helenius belted his opponent unresponsive a second faster than in the fight in the Åland Islands in September, when he knocked out his German opponent, Konstantin Airich, in 49 seconds.
Helenius is celebrating with his trainer, Johan Linström. Picture: Tony Öhberg for Finland Today
After watching the replay, here’s how the fight went down. Helenius hit Basile with a right cross to the face in the first few seconds of the round. Basile looked shocked. Helenius attacked with a beautiful right cross to Basile’s chin and followed with a left shovel hook to the midriff. Basile looked wobbly. Helenius continued with a right hook to the ribs and face. He smacked his opponent with a left hook to the chin and followed with a right uppercut to the jaw. Basile bent down, couldn’t take it anymore. The referee stopped the fight in a technical knockout.
Sandra, Robert’s partner, congratulating her man. Picture: Tony Öhberg for Finland Today
After the fight, Helenius humbly and jokingly apologized to the press that the fight didn’t last longer. “I just couldn’t resist the temptation of finishing him off,” he said smiling. Helenius’ trainer, Johan Lindström, was very pleased with his protégé’s performance. “I’m glad that Robert survived the fight without injuries.”
Helenius hoped to be back in the ring as soon as possible. “I hope to be back in at the Helsinki Arena in March-April,” he said. If all goes well, we could see Helenius in a world title fight next year.
