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.”
Posted by George Glinski on behalf of talkSPORT: https://talksport.com/sport/2008243/anthony-joshua-daniel-dubois-frazer-clarke/
