Robert Helenius vs Erkan Teper
There was a little-known heavyweight fight that took place this weekend. IBF #7 rated fighter Erkan Teper put his ranking on the line against Robert Helenius (28-2, 17 KOs).
The early rounds saw Teper getting inside the long reach of the challenger, going to the body and landing right & left hooks. He also kept his opponent on the back foot, pinning him against the ropes landing good right hand & body shots.
However, Helenius was content with using the jab and going to the body. In giving up ground, he was perhaps showing too much respect to his opponent. Although, he did manage to land a few good short rights hands while being evasive with decent footwork.
Helenius settled down the next three rounds, using his height and reach to his advantage. In round 3, he landed a jab while taking a half step back. He followed up by staggering Teper with a perfect right hand. Only the bell saved Teper here.
The middle rounds would see Teper rally. He demonstrated his fighting spirit in landing some solid punches that had the hometown crowd cheering his name.
However, in the eighth round, Helenius would comeback; controlling the majority of the action with stiff jabs and right-hand counters. Then, just before the round ended, he caught Teper with a three-punch combo that sent him to the canvas.
Teper was unable to beat the count, so Helenius is now the new IBF Inter-Continental Heavyweight Champion.
This victory could place Robert back in the rankings and more big fights. This was a much-needed win that will benefit his career.
By: Garrisson Bland
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