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via Reuters

via Reuters

Most fans were looking forward to a heavy-duty grudge match on Saturday, August 12. Given the strained terms between Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte, which go back to their amateur days, everyone anticipated a thrilling sequel to their last face-off in December 2015. However, as it turns out, their expectations will remain unfulfilled. Dillian Whyte failed a doping test. But in his place joined Robert Helenius. Anthony Joshua is eagerly looking forward to the year’s second bout. A few reporters caught up with him to gauge his views and perceptions of the affair.

So Kugan Cassius from iFL TV asked Joshua about his reactions when he first received the news about Whyte. The former champion replied that initially, he felt such incidents occurred now and then. More so, fans are becoming accustomed to it. Next, the question about the fate of the match loomed. Whether it is to be canceled or go for a substitute? Eventually, as it turned out, the second option proved worthwhile.

Anthony Joshua doesn’t take advantage of a down-and-out adversary 

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Cassius highlighted how Eddie Hearn mentioned Joshua insisting on finding a replacement, despite only having a week left for the fight. ‘AJ’ agreed, adding that he was looking forward to a good alternate.

The iFL TV founder asked, “Josh, Dillian, what did put a statement now, which I’m sure you might have read? Uh, what do you think about that?” Anthony Joshua, laughing, mentioned that Whyte couldn’t have written the statement.

He said, “…but I do think, um, it’s not a good situation for anyone. Look, I don’t wish, in a way, bad you know what I’m trying to say. Um, I’m not going to be laughing at him and ripping him down because it’s only a p***y rips, someone when they’re down, and that’s not me, but um, it’s not right, and he lives to fight.”

The former champion asked Kugan Cassius whether Whyte would get a chance to defend himself, to which the latter replied that there would be an investigation, as mentioned by Matchroom Sport.

Gearing up for the big battles

So regardless of whatever ensued, Anthony Joshua believes that Dillian Whyte has the right to fight the case. Wishing the latter luck, ‘AJ’ concluded that, all said and done, the show must go on at the end of the day.

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Anthony Joshua awaits the Finn at the O2 Arena. He had defeated Jermaine Franklin in April. Though he failed to score a knockout, the victory provided the necessary fillip to his plans to return to the big leagues.

The second bout served a similar purpose. Coming off two defeats, he understands that a higher number of matches will keep him sharp, which will come in handy when he faces someone like Deontay Wilder or, who knows, Tyson Fury.

Read More: “Giving My All”: Anthony Joshua Leaves No Stone Unturned as Training for the Dillian Whyte Showdown Intensifies

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Do you think Anthony Joshua will be finally able to deliver the much-needed knockout on Saturday night? Please share your thoughts and views with us in the comments below.

Watch This Story: Anthony Joshua vs. Robert Helenius Stats: Record, Height, Reach, Age, and Knockout Ratio