Dillian Whyte wins WBC silver heavyweight title – but clash with Robert Helenius fails to spark

Dillian Whyte collected the WBC silver heavyweight title with a wide unanimous points verdict over Robert Helenius in Cardiff.

The Brixton boxer won by scores of 119-109 twice and 118-110.

The only round I could give Helenius, a former European champion, was the second round.

Apart from that it was Whyte who took control from the third onwards with any ambition his opponent had for winning the right – and taking a step into the division’s spotlight – quickly waning.

Whyte found it easier to land cleanly to Helenius’ body but showed his frustrations in the final round as he beckoned the Finnish giant to engage. But instead the older man was happy to stay in survival mode.

Tony Bellew, working as a pundit on Sky Sports, was critical of the South Londoner’s performance.

He said: “It was disappointing – very one-paced. Dillian Whyte lacks gears to his boxing.

“Helenius is a dream opponent – big, slow and fights with his chin in the air. He leans back – he’s an accident waiting to happen.

“Helenius at best is a European gatekeeper. At the top level you have to show more at this level.”