The upcoming heavyweight clash between IBF champion Daniel Dubois and former two-time champion Anthony Joshua at Wembley Stadium in London on September 21st has caught the attention of fans worldwide. While American fans have been used to paying over $70 for PPV events, they can enjoy this fight for just $19.99. This comes as a pleasant surprise for U.S. boxing enthusiasts who often have to dig deep into their pockets to watch their favorite fighters in action.
Despite the reduced PPV price, the undercard of the Joshua-Dubois fight fails to capture the interest of American viewers. The main event may have some appeal, but the supporting fights like Hamzah Sheeraz vs. Tyler Denny, Anthony Cacace vs Josh Warrington, Joshua Buatsi vs Willy Hutchinson, Liam Smith vs Josh Kelly, and Mark Chamberlain vs Josh Padley do not seem to excite the U.S. audience. The lack of star power on the undercard could potentially deter American fans from purchasing the event.
At 34, Anthony Joshua is considered the favorite to win the fight against Dubois. However, doubts linger about Joshua’s readiness to face elite-level competition after his defeat to Oleksandr Usyk in 2022. His promoters have strategically matched him against lesser opponents to rebuild his confidence and skillset, but many believe that this approach may have hindered his growth as a fighter. Joshua’s age and wear and tear from previous fights also raise concerns about his ability to perform at the same level as he did earlier in his career.
As Daniel Dubois pointed out, despite being younger and less experienced in terms of professional fights, he believes he has more ring knowledge than Joshua. This highlights the uncertainty surrounding Joshua’s comeback and whether he can reclaim his status as a dominant force in the heavyweight division. The fight on September 21st will ultimately determine whether Joshua still has what it takes to compete at the highest level of boxing.
While the affordable PPV price for U.S. fans may attract some viewers to the Joshua-Dubois fight, the lackluster undercard and concerns about Joshua’s comeback raise questions about the overall appeal of the event. Boxing enthusiasts will have to wait and see whether Joshua can overcome his challenges and make a successful return to the ring.