“He’s Coming To Roll The Dice”: With A few Days Left, Anthony Joshua Is Not Ready To “Underestimate” Robert Helenius

On August 12, Anthony Joshua is set to make his return to the squared circle. The former two-time heavyweight champion boxer was scheduled to face his long-time rival, Dillian Whyte. The two British boxers had their first clash in the year 2015 in which, ‘AJ’ was declared the victor after knocking out Whyte in the seventh round. However, eight years later, the landscape of heavyweight boxing is not the same.

Joshua is not the heavyweight champion anymore. Subsequently, the news of their rematch attracted attention from the world of boxing. However, just over a week away from the bout, Whyte failed his pre-fight drug test, and the bout was called off. In a recent turn of events, Robert Helenius would be stepping in as a replacement but Joshua is not underestimating him. So without further ado, let’s jump right into his comments just a few days away from the bout.

Anthony Joshua on his prudent approach to face Robert Helenius

Joshua has the size, reach, and age advantage over Helenius. Not to mention, “AJ,” had a 12-week camp, and Helenius, on the other hand, was stepping into the fight on short notice. Yet, Joshua does not disregard the Finnish boxer. If anything he considers it to be unwise if he wouldn’t treat Helenius’ skill set and experience with respect.

During the pre-fight interview, he stated, “It’d be silly to underestimate Helenius, silly to underestimate anyone,” he added, “I’ve gotta take him deadly serious. And credit to him as well. He’s coming to roll the dice. He wants to win.”

In addition, he believes that, unlike many other boxers, ‘The Nordic Nightmare’ has nothing else in mind besides being the victor in this bout. This mindset is quite intimidating and Joshua has taken cognizance of the same. However, amidst this new match-up, Joshua also weighed in on the fiasco with Whyte. So let’s dive in on that.

Anthony Joshua on Dillian Whyte failing his pre-fight drug test

Despite the circumstances, ‘AJ,’ does not express much disdain for Whyte. He stated, “Look, I don’t wish, in a way, bad you know what I’m trying to say.” He added, “It’s not right, and he lives to fight.”

 Read more: Anthony Joshua Spills the Beans on Fighting Deontay Wilder

 One might argue that Joshua’s reaction to this current fiasco is quite a mature one. However, it is intriguing to hear distinct takes and perceptions about it. So we ask you, what do you make of Joshua’s response? In addition, what are your thoughts and opinions about his prudent approach to facing Robert Helenius. Share with us in the comments below.