Helenius scored consecutive knockout wins over former world heavyweight champions, Samuel Peter and Siarhei Liakhovich earlier in the year.[1][2] Subsequently, positioning Helenius as the WBO's top-ranked contender for Wladimir Klitschko.[3][4][5] Chisora regained composure following a loss against Fury in July, securing a points victory over Remigijus Ziausys in November, thereby becoming eligible for a title shot at the European championship.[6][7]
On 17 October 2011, it was announced Jean-Marc Mormeck had officially relinquished his position as the mandatory challenger for European champion, Alexander Dimitrenko, ahead of a title shot at the world championship against Klitschko on December 10. Consequently, the EBU called a purse bid between Dimitrenko and Helenius.[8] Following multiple postponements, it was announced Helenius and Chisora would contest for the vacant title.[9][10][11] Dimitrenko, who was stripped of the belt due to injury, was ordered to face the winner within the next 120 days.[12]
From the opening bell, Chisora started a fast pace, attempting to close the distance and apply sustained pressure, landing hooks to head and body on the inside, with Helenius boxing at range, landing a straight right hand that hurt Chisora momentarily. Chisora was warned twice by referee Adrio Zannoni in the first round. As the early rounds progressed, Chisora continued fighting aggressively, pressing forward and targeting Helenius’s body with relentless combinations and head with overhand rights. Helenius, fighting in front of a home crowd, struggled to establish his jab and appeared uncomfortable under pressure, landing quick shots on the back foot. Chisora’s head movement and inside work allowed him to dictate the pace, with many observers scoring these rounds in his favour. Referee Adrio Zannoni was criticised for repeatedly warning Chisora during the contest, thwarting his offensive efforts. In the middle rounds, the bout grew more competitive. Helenius began to find openings, occasionally landing counters and standing his ground in exchanges. Round six saw both fighters trade heavy shots at close range, with Chisora starting strongly, backing Helenius up against the ropes, and Helenius finishing the round strong, on the front foot in the closing seconds. Still, Chisora’s volume and body attack remained consistent, keeping him marginally ahead in the eyes of many commentators. In the later rounds, fatigue set in, but the intensity never waned, with the bell sounding to start the tenth marking the first time Helenius had been past nine rounds. Chisora continued to press, landing notable right hands and maintaining pressure. Helenius responded with sporadic bursts, but his output lacked the consistency to turn the tide. The twelfth round saw both men trade power punches in a dramatic finish. Helenius won by a controversial split decision with scores of 115–113, 115–113 in his favour, and 115–113 in favour of Chisora.[16]Compubox showed that Helenius landed 140 of his 647 punches thrown (22%) and Chisora landed 278 of his 672 thrown (41%).[17]
Aftermath
Following Helenius' win, the result was heavily protested by Chisora, his team, and observers alike.[18][19][20][21] Helenius claimed to have sustained an injury in the fight and cited this as a reason for not earning a decisive victory.[22] Both Helenius' and Chisora's teams expressed interest in an immediate rematch.[23][24]
Helenius and Chisora both returned to the ring the following year. Chisora, received a title shot at the world championship, facing Vitali Klitschko in February, and Helenius, relinquished his European championship, facing Sherman Williams in November.[25][26]
Cancelled rematch
A rematch was set take place once again at Helsinki's Hartwall Arena on 27 May 2017.[27] The rematch was postponed and ultimately cancelled.[28]
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