Anthony Joshua is set to compete for his third world heavyweight title this weekend. Both he and Daniel Dubois, who have a combined total of 45 career knockouts, are ready to showcase their incredible power in their much-anticipated grudge match at Wembley Stadium for the IBF world heavyweight title.
With tensions running high, a significant championship at stake, and nearly 100,000 fans expected at the arena, a thrilling encounter is likely to unfold. Following his recent knockout victory over former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou, Joshua claims to be in the most dangerous form of his career.
“Aside from the belts, and the fact that it’s him, I am just ready to fight. This is alpha male business now. September 21. It’s going down,” Joshua remarked in an interview with DAZN Sports.
Currently on a four-fight win streak after suffering two consecutive losses to Oleksandr Usyk, Joshua believes that his greatest performances are still ahead of him as he focuses on Dubois, emphasizing that his main concern is his opponent rather than the title itself.
“I understand boxing very well; I’ve studied Daniel, and he will see. I’m not focused on the belt, just on him,” Joshua stated, exuding confidence despite an eight-year age gap between the two fighters.
“This is a high-paced fight featuring two big punchers. These fights demand a lot from you, and you must dig deep because there’s only one option: victory.”
The winner of this bout will likely be in line for a shot at either Tyson Fury or Oleksandr Usyk, who are set to rematch on December 21 in Riyadh.
The animosity between Joshua and Dubois became evident during a recent press conference, where they nearly exchanged blows. Joshua insisted that Dubois refrain from disrespecting him after Dubois suggested resolving the dispute in the ring that moment.
Much of their rivalry stems from a rumored sparring match that took place years ago.
“People say he rocked me. People say he dropped me back then. There are about 15 heavyweight fighters who have claimed they’ve dropped me; everyone uses my name for clout, but the best way to prove it is by fighting me,” Joshua asserted.
Although neither fighter provided specific details about that sparring session, Dubois maintained that it wouldn’t matter on fight day. “That happened seven years ago. This is not sparring.”
The road to the title has been lengthy for Dubois, especially following his knockout loss to Joe Joyce in 2020. “I was in a dark place, but I feel like I’ve been resurrected and am ready to fight. He has been the champion for a long time, but I am the kingslayer,” Dubois declared, confident that the time is right for him to shine.
“Joshua’s the main man holding all the keys. I plan to knock him out. I’m going to go in there and take it from him. I’m going to turn him into an old man in the ring. I’m going to make a fool out of him by knocking him out.”