Gerald Washington comes back to stop Robert Helenius in eight!
Former title contender Gerald “El Gallo Negro” Washington took on Robert “The Nordic Nightmare” Helenius in a fight where the loser may be relegated to “gate-keeper” status.
Early Action
Both men came out with a little nervous energy, although, as the fight would go on things would heat up.
Washington, with the longer reach, would start to find a home for his jab and following it up with the overhand right.
However, the Finnish fighter would respond with hard body shots that momentarily slowed down his more athletic opponent.
Helenius had a major problem. He would keep his head way too high and his left hand too low which would leave him susceptible to the overhand right. It wouldn’t take long for Washington to pick up on it.
In the sixth round just as Washington was gaining confidence, his opponent turned it up, setting up shots behind a stiff jab, resulting in a cut over his eye.
The former football player turned boxer was showing serious signs of fatigue. His confidence was being depleted with every punch!
A Twist of Fate?
Washington’s corner was very animated heading into the eighth round. They understood their fighter was fatigued and the sense of urgency was apparent.
Helenius was really coming on by landing stiff jabs and hard body shots. El Gallo Negro was in retreat mode until something clicked!
Finally making proper use of his reach advantage, he landed a beautiful right hand straight down the middle. Helenius would immediately hold, but to no avail, another crushing right hand sent the Finnish fighter to the canvas.
Visibly limp against the bottom rope, the referee stopped the fight! Just like that, the fate of El Gallo Negoro was written!
Washington was able to keep his career off life support. While he was down on all three scorecards, that knock out was the winning ingredient.
By: Garrisson Bland
Helenius is Finnish, not a damn Swedish! If Washington has any courage he will give Helenius a rematch. In round 6 and 7 Washington was is deep troubles. Lucky and good shot by him on 8th. Helenius needs to be still a bit better shape and the he will win, coz he overall better boxer than Washington. Waiting for the rematch!
Helenius was actually born in Sweden…therefore, calling him Swedish or Finnish both apply.