Daniel Dubois defied all expectations as he blasted Anthony Joshua out in five rounds at Wembley Stadium.
Dubois retained the IBF heavyweight world title but it was a stunning upset as he took apart the acclaimed former two-time world heavyweight champion.
A monstrous right hand to the chin dropped Joshua heavily in the first round.
In the second, Dubois swarmed all over him and Joshua was shipping severe shots.
Joshua was saved by the bell at the end of the third round. A massive left hook had sent him tottering into the ropes, stunning him, and Dubois then unleashed a ferocious onslaught, hammering him down to the canvas again.
He made it upright on the bell to end the round, and passed a close examination from referee Marcus McDonnell.
But a Dubois left hook tipped him over at the start of the fourth round. Joshua lost his footing afterwards which was not ruled a knockdown but he was in desperate danger.
Dubois’ left hook continued to find Joshua, but remarkably the former champion steered himself through the rest of the round.
After such a frenetic start there were hints that Dubois was starting to tire. His output became a touch less ferocious. Joshua sensed something. He roared back at Dubois for a moment in the fifth round and slammed a right in. He sent another over, a full-power right cross streaking at Dubois. He felt it but threw back. Joshua shrugged off that punch with half a smile and then unleashed another attack. Just for an instant it looked like Joshua, with his strength, could turn the tables.
But with Dubois retreating to his own corner, and Joshua stepping to him, Dubois lashed a right down into his chin.
It spun him away, crumpling Joshua headlong on to the canvas.
There was no recovering from that, although Joshua tried. He attempted to heave himself upright, but the ending was utterly decisive. It was over.
Wembley Stadium, the scene of Joshua’s greatest triumph when he beat Wladimir Klitschko long ago now in 2017, had become the scene of his most devastating defeat.
In front of a record crowd at Wembley Stadium the occasion was spectacular.
Some of boxing’s biggest stars were in attendance, Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk watching out for a potential rival, Roberto Duran and Terence Crawford taking ringside seats, Rory McIlroy, Conor McGregor and figures from other sports as well as celebrities from the world of entertainment, not least with Oasis superstar Liam Gallagher performing three songs before the main event to add to the sense of occasion.
The noise in the stadium built and built to a crescendo by the time the main event fighters made their ringwalks and the intensity only ramped up further.
But the outcome, by most outside of Dubois’ team, was expected to be different.
For Joshua winning Dubois’ IBF title would have made him a three-time heavyweight world champion. It would also no doubt have put him in prime position to take on the winner of December’s Oleksandr Usyk-Tyson Fury rematch for the undisputed championship.
That has all been ripped away.
Instead Dubois, an unlikely heavyweight star, has seized that place.
Dubois will be hugely gratified to have stamped his mark on the division. Questions have haunted him since his defeat to Joe Joyce almost four years ago.
A fractured eye socket saw him take a knee and the referee’s full count then. He did continue to test himself and took the ultimate challenge against unified champion Usyk in Poland last year. Usyk halted him too but Dubois has bounced back, building confidence in his victories over Jarrell Miller and Filip Hrgovic. In the process he picked up the IBF’s interim belt and saw that upgraded to the full world title when Usyk’s commitment with the Fury rematch meant he could not make a mandatory defence.
But this victory will take him to a whole other level, smashing through a British boxing superstar at Wembley Stadium is an astonishing accomplishment.
“I’ve only got a few words to say: Are you not entertained?” Dubois exulted afterwards.
“It’s been a long journey, I’m grateful to be in this position.
“I’m a gladiator, I’m a warrior to the bitter end. I want to reach the top level of this game and reach my full potential.
“I’ve been on a rollercoaster ride. This is my time, this is my redemption story, and I’m not going to stop until I reach my full potential.”
Admirably Joshua took the microphone in the immediate aftermath of that crushing defeat.
“Credit to him and his team. We rolled the dice of success, but we came up short,” he said. “You know I’m ready to kick off in the ring, but I’m going to keep my cool, keep very professional, and give respect to my opponent.
“I had a sharp opponent, a fast opponent and a lot of mistakes from my end, but that’s the game.
“I’m always saying to myself I’m a fighter for life… We keep rolling the dice.”
The debate over whether Anthony Joshua or Daniel Dubois hits harder continues to spark discussion. Since the announcement of their September showdown, boxing forums have been buzzing with theories about which British heavyweight packs the most power.
Heavyweight contender Frazer Clarke, who has sparred extensively with both Joshua and Dubois, shared his insights on talkSPORT’s talkBOXING podcast this week.
Clarke spent several years sparring with Joshua during their time with Team GB Boxing in Sheffield, both under the guidance of Robert McCracken. He also traded punches with Dubois, who had a brief stint with the podium squad before turning professional.
When asked if Dubois hits harder, Clarke responded, “On a single shot, possibly, but I’d say Anthony combines his punches better with his boxing style.”
The debate will be settled when Joshua and Dubois finally face each other on September 21 at Wembley Stadium.
The two will compete for the IBF heavyweight title after Oleksandr Usyk vacated the belt to focus on a rematch with Tyson Fury on December 21. Dubois, who was elevated from ‘interim’ to full world champion, will make his first title defence against Joshua.
Some within the boxing community have questioned whether Joshua has lost his edge following his knockout loss to Andy Ruiz in 2019 and back-to-back defeats to Usyk in 2021 and 2022. Joshua’s performances in his comeback fights against Jermaine Franklin and Robert Helenius last year seemed to lack the same aggression.
However, recent knockout victories over Otto Wallin and Francis Ngannou have led many to believe that Joshua’s ruthless streak is still intact, though talkSPORT pundit Simon Jordan cautions that Dubois’ power could trigger a “PTSD” reaction in Joshua.
“I think it’s a fascinating fight,” Jordan said last month.
“I don’t fully agree with those who think Anthony Joshua is completely back to his best because he’s fought opponents who haven’t really challenged him. Jermaine Franklin tried a bit, but [Robert] Helenius didn’t even touch him. Wallin was out of reach, and against Ngannou, Joshua did what Tyson Fury should have done to him.
“So if Daniel lands a big shot, it could take Joshua back to a place he doesn’t want to go – deep into the trenches. There’s a real possibility that Dubois will drag him there, and if he does, it will be a fascinating fight because he has the power.
“A few years ago, before the Joe Joyce fight, we were saying, ‘Forget Joshua, forget Tyson Fury – Daniel Dubois is the one to watch.’ Then we’ve seen the challenges he’s faced…
“I’m not sure he wins this fight, but there’s a very good chance he might.”
Frank Warren is brimming with anticipation for the upcoming heavyweight clash between Daniel Dubois and Anthony Joshua, which he believes will be “something special.” The fight, scheduled for September 21 at Wembley Stadium, has garnered significant attention due to its high stakes and the status of both fighters.
Dubois, who recently won the IBF interim title with an eighth-round stoppage of Filip Hrgovic, was elevated to full champion after Oleksandr Usyk vacated the title. This elevation adds an extra layer of intrigue to the bout, which was already shaping up to be one of the year’s biggest matches.
In an interview shared on Queensberry Promotions’ YouTube channel, Warren outlined why the fight between the two British heavyweights will stand out. “Two of the biggest punchers in the heavyweight division, out of the top four heavyweights in the world there’s two of them, and it’s going to be a brilliant fight,” Warren said. The clash promises to deliver on the excitement and intensity expected from such high-profile matchups.
Warren also highlighted the unique appeal of a British rivalry. “When you’ve got Brit against Brit, which we know in this country always delivers competitive fights, always delivers, it will be something special,” he remarked. The historical context of British heavyweight matchups adding to the anticipation cannot be overlooked.
Furthermore, Warren noted the added dimension of the promotional rivalry between Queensberry Promotions and Matchroom Boxing, who represent Dubois and Joshua, respectively. “And added again that little bit of icing or cherry on top of the cake is it’s Queensberry against Matchroom again,” Warren stated. This promotional rivalry, reminiscent of past high-stakes matchups, adds an extra layer of drama to the event.
Earlier this year, Queensberry Promotions and Matchroom Boxing had a notable 5v5 event in Saudi Arabia, where all five Queensberry fighters, including Dubois, emerged victorious. Although Joshua was not part of that event, Warren believes Dubois will be motivated to continue his strong form and challenge another prominent Matchroom fighter.
As the fight date approaches, Warren’s excitement reflects the broader anticipation for a bout that promises to deliver fireworks and showcase two of the top heavyweights in the world.
Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois will square off next month at Wembley Stadium for Dubois’ IBF heavyweight championship, with Joshua expecting an aggressive opponent.
Joshua is looking to become world champion for a third time, but he goes into the Sept. 21 card as the challenger against his younger countryman.
It’s a position “AJ” is happy to be in, and he’s preparing for a challenging fight when the men step into the ring.
“I rate him highly,” Joshua said in an interview posted on the Queensbury Promotions YouTube page. “He’s going to bring a lot of aggression and hunger.”
Despite being the challenger, Joshua will compete as the more experienced and accomplished of the two fighters. Dubois recently labelled himself a potential “king slayer” in reference to the upcoming bout, implying that Joshua is the man on top.
In response, Joshua said he’s simply trying to focus on himself rather than how his opponent sees him.
“I walk in my power, in the sense that I believe in myself,” Joshua said. “I walk as a king, I have to walk that way because everyone should in this life. You should always be confident. Why not?
“In terms of where he puts me, I’m not worried about it … all that matters is where I put myself.”
Daniel Dubois is not holding back ahead of his IBF heavyweight world title fight against Anthony Joshua on September 21 at Wembley Stadium. The 26-year-old Londoner is determined to “slay the king” and “make a fool” of Joshua, asserting his intent to dominate the bout and silence his critics.
With Oleksandr Usyk vacating the IBF title to prepare for a rematch with Tyson Fury, Dubois was promoted from interim champion to the official titleholder. Now, he’s set to defend his newly acquired belt against Joshua, a former two-time unified champion who has long been a leading figure in British boxing.
In a video released by promoter Queensberry on their YouTube channel, Dubois expressed his unwavering confidence. “I’m not here to talk foolishness,” Dubois said. “But I want to make a fool out of AJ by knocking him out and put all the doubters and the critics to sleep.”
Dubois, who views this fight as a significant step up from his previous bout against Usyk, is keenly aware of the stakes. “This is definitely bigger than the Usyk fight,” he asserted. “This is definitely the lion’s den, this one.”
He further elaborated, “Topping a bill with a major elite fighter, a guy that’s been up there for a long time, now I feel like it’s the right time to knock him off that pedestal and take the front.” Dubois regards Joshua as a long-standing leader in British heavyweight boxing and sees this fight as his opportunity to dethrone him.
In the past, Dubois had claimed that he floored Joshua during a sparring session when Joshua was an up-and-coming professional. Although Joshua has denied the extent of Dubois’ claims, he admitted that Dubois had “cracked” him. Despite this, Dubois believes he has evolved significantly since then.
“I’m a different guy now,” Dubois stated. “Harder punching and stronger will and that’s what this fight is going to come down to, the spirit and the will of each fighter.”
Dubois’s recent performance against Filip Hrgovic, where he secured a TKO victory to become the IBF interim champion, showcased his resilience and ability to overcome adversity. Despite taking heavy blows, Dubois grew into the fight and ultimately prevailed after cuts above Hrgovic’s eyes ended the contest.
Comparing Joshua to Hrgovic, Dubois questioned Joshua’s ability to handle similar punishment. “I won’t take them shots,” he promised. “Hrgovic is completely different to AJ. The way he throws his shots, it’s smooth, he’s light and he’s quick. So it took me a while to get the hang of it.”
Dubois is determined to bring his best to the fight. “Break Joshua, break what’s in front of me down and get a victory by any means necessary,” he declared. “Could he take them shots Hrgovic was throwing?”
With the bout fast approaching, Dubois is clearly focused on making a statement and establishing himself as the top heavyweight in the division.
Top trainer and boxing expert Adam Booth believes that Daniel Dubois may have received the “wake-up call” he needed to stand a real chance against Anthony Joshua in their upcoming IBF world heavyweight title fight.
Dubois is set to clash with Joshua on September 21 at Wembley Stadium, with the bout being broadcast live on Sky Sports Box Office. The fight has gained significant attention, especially after Dubois was upgraded to full world champion status following Oleksandr Usyk’s decision to vacate the title. Dubois earned his spot by winning the IBF Interim title after defeating Croatia’s Filip Hrgovic in June.
Booth, known for his work with former heavyweight champion David Haye, suggests that Dubois’ recent bout against Hrgovic, where he faced some difficulty, might have been a crucial learning experience. “The fact that Hrgovic found the right hand so many times could be the wake-up call for Daniel that he needed to make that adjustment,” Booth told Sky Sports. He added, “You’d have to be a fool not to realise that you need to take Anthony Joshua’s right hand away from him.”
Both Joshua and Dubois share a common ground beyond their power punches—they are both working with new trainers. Joshua has teamed up with Ben Davison, while Dubois is under the guidance of Don Charles. This change in their training setups introduces an element of unpredictability to the fight.
Booth observed that while Joshua has an established track record at the highest level, the addition of a new coach might bring slight changes to his approach. On the other hand, Booth feels that Dubois is on the rise, noting that his last two performances against Jarrell Miller and Hrgovic have likely made him a much more formidable opponent.
“In heavyweight boxing, especially in a big rivalry and a massive stadium, sometimes it’s the one who can keep their head when the firefight starts or when the dangerous shots are being thrown that will come out on top,” Booth explained. He praised Joshua for proving that he can keep his composure even after making mistakes, something Dubois still needs to demonstrate at this level.
As the fight draws closer, the anticipation builds, with many wondering if Dubois’ recent experiences and adjustments will be enough to dethrone Joshua and solidify his status as a world champion.
The upcoming heavyweight clash between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois on September 21 at Wembley Stadium isn’t just another title fight; it represents a pivotal moment in a narrative of resilience and redemption for both fighters. Their paths have been marked by significant highs and lows, and this bout could very well serve as the concluding chapter in a cautionary tale of career setbacks and comebacks.
The Resilient Joshua
Anthony Joshua’s career has been a rollercoaster of triumphs and trials. The Londoner’s rise to prominence included headline victories against the likes of Wladimir Klitschko, which solidified his place as one of boxing’s elite. However, his career was significantly impacted by unexpected defeats. The shock loss to Andy Ruiz Jr. in 2019 was a severe blow, and while he managed to regain his titles in the rematch, his subsequent losses to Oleksandr Usyk seemed to signal the end of his reign at the top.
But Joshua’s response to adversity has been notable. His resurgence over the past year, with a series of dominant performances against Robert Helenius, Francis Ngannou, and Otto Wallin, has reestablished him as a formidable force in the heavyweight division. The September bout with Dubois offers Joshua an opportunity to reclaim the IBF title and further cement his legacy as a three-time world champion.
Dubois’ Journey Back to the Top
For Daniel Dubois, the road to this title fight has been one of redemption and proving critics wrong. Initially seen as a potential star, Dubois faced his own share of setbacks, including a controversial loss to Joe Joyce and a defeat by Usyk. The criticism was harsh, with doubts cast over his ability to overcome adversity.
Yet Dubois has demonstrated resilience and growth. His victories over Jarrell Miller and Filip Hrgovic, the latter resulting in him being elevated to full IBF champion, reflect a fighter who has learned from past mistakes and is determined to make his mark. Dubois’ self-described journey from “darkness to light” encapsulates his drive to not only succeed but to surpass expectations.
A Battle of Form and Fortitude
This fight is not just about titles; it’s a narrative of overcoming challenges. Joshua, once the undisputed king of the heavyweight division, seeks to reclaim his throne and continue his legacy. Dubois, on the other hand, looks to affirm his place among the elite and demonstrate that his previous setbacks were merely stepping stones to greater achievements.
Both fighters come into this bout with significant momentum and a strong sense of purpose. Joshua’s recent form suggests he’s as dangerous as ever, while Dubois’ determination and hunger add an unpredictable edge to the fight.
The Broader Context
The September 21 event at Wembley is also a significant moment for British boxing, with the clash between Joshua and Dubois featuring as the centerpiece of a high-profile card that includes other notable fighters. This setting not only amplifies the stakes but also highlights the depth of talent in British boxing.
As fans and analysts make their predictions, it’s clear that this fight is more than just a title bout. It is a testament to the perseverance and fortitude of two fighters who have faced significant challenges and are now poised to make history. Whether Joshua can reclaim his former glory or Dubois can cement his status as a world champion remains to be seen, but the cautionary tale of their careers will undoubtedly make for a compelling spectacle.
Anthony Joshua told Daniel Dubois he had been on his mind for a while as the pair faced off at a press conference for their IBF title showdown at Wembley in September. The Wednesday presser in London saw both fighters sit calm and collected as they spoke ahead of the fight, live on TNT Sports Box Office, with Dubois saying he plans to “become the king slayer” on September 21.
Anthony Joshua made it clear he has had his eye on Daniel Dubois for some time ahead of their Wembley showdown in September.
Joshua and Dubois will collide on September 21 at Wembley Stadium, live in TNT Sports Box Office, for the IBF heavyweight title, after Oleksandr Usyk confirmed he was vacating the title.
Dubois was anointed the IBF interim heavyweight champion after stopping IBF mandatory challenger Filip Hrgovic in the eighth round of their fight in Riyadh at the beginning of June.
The two engaged in an intense face-off at a press conference on Wednesday where both exuded calmness and confidence in their words.
Joshua made Dubois aware that he had kept his eyes peeled for the 26-year-old but stressed his focus on arriving in peak condition, while Dubois was assertive that he will have the beating of Joshua come September.
“I picked Dubois to win [against Hrgovic]. I watch boxing closely and I picked him before,” Joshua said.
“It came true and we’re here, so I’ve been having Dubois on my mind for a while, and he’ll be on my mind for the next 12 weeks until I get my hand raised.”
Joshua has risen back up the heavyweight ranks after suffering consecutive losses to Usyk, who then became the undisputed world champion with a stunning victory over Tyson Fury last month.
Joshua’s name had been in the mix with Deontay Wilder and Fury, who lost respectively to Zhilei Zhang and Usyk this year.
If Wilder had beaten Zhang then the American may have been in Dubois’ shoes, but Joshua was clear he is not taking his opponent lightly.
“(Dubois) isn’t like the way they mention Fury or Wilder, but I’m not silly either. I know the game, we’re all in the wild, we’re a pack of lions, we’re hunters,” the 34-year-old added.
“So I’ve got to keep my eyes peeled. I can’t just focus on those two and not worry about anyone else. I’ve always kept my eyes peeled on Daniel and the rest of the heavyweights as well.”
Aged 34, the former unified world champion is a veteran compared to Dubois’ tender age of 26, yet insisted he feels fresh at this stage of his career.
“I feel fresh. I feel good. I don’t drink, I don’t smoke… Thank god I didn’t get caught up in antics outside of boxing. I use boxing to keep me on the straight and narrow.
“For this fight here with Daniel, it doesn’t matter if I was 35, and he was 15, 20, 25, it doesn’t matter. We’re in peak condition, age is just a number in this one.”
Dubois, flanked by Frank Warren, sat metres away from Joshua as he previewed the fight in his own words.
“It feels different. I would have loved to win [the IBF belt] on the night in my last fight but here we are, I’m blessed, we keep going,” Dubois said.
“I’m learning more about myself, a fighter, a person, coming through the darkness, going into the light and going into the future. I’m really up for this, I’m ready to go.”
Since losing to Usyk last August, Dubois was seen as an underdog against Jarrell Miller and Hrgovic, both of whom he beat, picking up the IBF Interim strap against Hrgovic to set up his fight with Joshua.
Although he will be an underdog again in September, the heavyweight prospect is backing himself to dethrone Joshua.
“I’m aiming to be the best, to fight the best and beat the best,” Dubois calmly added.
“AJ has been the king for a long time. We all know he’s been the king for a very long time and on the night I need to become the king slayer. That’s the goal, the mission I have, so I’m just ready to go.
“I’m ready to let my fists do the talking. I’m 100% ready to go to camp, focused and to train like a beast.”
The pair will headline a stacked card in September, featuring a lively undercard of Anthony Cacace v Josh Warrington, Joshua Buatsi v Willy Hutchinson, Tyler Denny v Hamzah Sheeraz, Josh Kelly v Liam Smith, and Mark Chamberlain v Josh Padley.
Daniel Dubois made a big statement in his first fight since losing to Joe Joyce last year.
Question marks were present regarding the future of Daniel Dubois when he surrendered his undefeated record to Joe Joyce at the backend of 2020.
The London heavyweight went some way to erasing some memories of that night as he returned to action with an emphatic win over Romania’s Bogdan Dinu.
Dubois was favoured to earn victory over Dinu, and with the second-round knockout, the 23-year-old captured the WBA interim title that will propel him to a lofty status in the star-studded rankings.
Under pressure to look impressive following the Joyce setback in November, Dubois, now with Shane McGuigan in his corner, looked confident from the first bell as he found the target of Dinu with ease.
A patient approach saw Dubois score well with the jab in the fight’s opener, and he exploded into life as soon as the next session started.
With Dinu seeking refuge on the ropes, Dubois found a short right hand that lifted Dinu off his feet. After getting to all fours, Dinu could not rise any higher, and he was counted out as Dubois celebrated wildly after getting his career back on track.
“I want to get back in the mix,” said Dubois in his post-fight interview. We’re gonna get there, man. I need to keep listening to what Shane tells me and be the best I can be.”