Sauerland Event Comments On Helenius Ring Return

By Jake Donovan

The last time Robert Helenius stepped foot in a boxing ring, cable network EPIX was involved in the sport and very much a fan of the unbeaten heavyweight.

The next time he steps into the ring could depend on how a court of law deems his current promotional status.

Out of the ring since March '13, the unbeaten heavyweight recently announced his intentions to return to the ring prior to the end of the first quarter of 2015. The news caught the attention of many, particularly Sauerland Event, who insists is still Helenius' promoter of record. 

"Robert is one of the biggest heavyweight talents out there,” Sauerland Event CEO Chris Meyer said of Helenius' return, in a statement to the media. “It´s a pity that he hasn´t fought in almost two years. We understand he has now announced that he wants to return on a show in Tallinn. Of course he can do whatever he wants, however, if he intends to fight again, he needs to talk to us first."

Helenius (19-0, 11KOs)—Sweden-born, Germany-based but of Finnish descent—was once a heavyweight on the rise. The 6'6" boxer enjoyed extensive TV play when premium cable network EPIX decided to showcase boxing on a Saturday matinee platform, with virtually all of its coverage coming from Europe.

Some of the shine came off of the unbeaten contender following a controversial decision win over Dereck Chisora in Dec. '11. Injuries have since hampered his career, with just two fights taking place in the 15 months that followed—decision wins over journeymen heavyweights Sherman Williams and Michael Sprott.

News of his planned ring return came out of the blue, as Helenius hopes to fight March 21 in Tallinn, two years almost to the date of his last bout. Unless he's able to resove his promotional situation with Sauerland—or bring the company along for the ride for at least this fight—his inactive stretch could extend well beyond the two-year mark.

 

"We have an existing promotional agreement which we expect him to honor," Meyer insists. "We will take legal action against everybody who is undermining our contract with him. I think it would be to the benefit of everybody, especially the fight fans, if Robert focused on breaking jaws rather than laws.”