Anthony Joshua is set to pursue a third world heavyweight title this weekend. Both Joshua and Daniel Dubois, known for their remarkable power with a combined total of 45 knockouts, are ready to showcase their skills in a highly anticipated grudge match for the IBF world heavyweight title at Wembley Stadium.
With intense rivalry, a championship belt at stake, and nearly 100,000 fans expected to attend, a thrilling showdown is anticipated. Following his recent knockout victory over former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou, Joshua expressed that he feels more dangerous than ever.
“Beyond the titles and the rivalry, I’m simply ready to fight. This is alpha male business now. September 21. It’s going down,” Joshua shared with DAZN Sports.
Joshua is currently on a four-fight winning streak after facing consecutive defeats against Oleksandr Usyk. Claiming to be in a career resurgence, he believes “the best AJ is still to come,” and is fiercely focused on Dubois.
“I know boxing very well, I’ve studied Daniel, and he will see. I’m not concentrating on the belt, just on him,” he said.
Despite being eight years older, Joshua is brimming with confidence as he prepares for the London match. “This is a high-paced fight with two major punchers. These kinds of fights demand a lot, and you must dig deep because there’s no exit except for victory.”
In addition to the IBF title, the winner is likely to earn a shot against either Tyson Fury or Oleksandr Usyk, who are set to rematch on December 21 in Riyadh.
The animosity between the two fighters was palpable, nearly escalating to a brawl at a press conference where Joshua demanded respect after Dubois suggested they resolve their differences immediately. Much of the tension is believed to stem from a rumored sparring session several years ago.
“People claim he rocked me. They say he dropped me then. There are about 15 heavyweights saying they’ve dropped me; everyone uses my name for clout. But the best way to settle it is by fighting me,” Joshua stated.
While neither fighter went into detail about the past sparring session, Dubois insisted that whatever happened before is irrelevant as they gear up for the fight. “That was seven years ago. This isn’t sparring.”
Dubois has faced his own challenges on the road to this title shot, particularly after suffering a knockout loss to Joe Joyce in 2020. “I was in a dark place, but I feel resurrected and ready to fight. He’s been the king for a long time, but I am the kingslayer,” Dubois declared.
He is intent on seizing this opportunity. “Joshua is the main man holding all the keys. I plan to knock him out. I’m going to make him look old in the ring. I’ll demonstrate my superiority by knocking him out.”