There is a lingering doubt in the boxing world regarding Anthony Joshua’s return to top form after defeating four supposedly weaker opponents to regain his confidence. The former heavyweight champion Joshua (28-3, 25 KOs) is currently on a four-fight winning streak as he gears up for a title clash against IBF champion Daniel Dubois on September 21st at Wembley Stadium in London. However, the big question remains – can Joshua hold his ground against a young, fierce competitor like Dubois (21-2, 20 KOs) without succumbing to mental breakdowns triggered by his past traumatic losses to Oleksandr Usyk?
Some critics argue that Joshua has not proven his resurgence yet, attributing it to the quality of opponents he faced in his recent fights. Fighters like Francis Ngannou, Otto Wallin, Robert Helenius, and Jermaine Franklin are considered by some as ‘tomato cans’ – lacking the ability to challenge Joshua and test his true mettle. To truly restore his stature in the heavyweight division, it is suggested that Joshua needs to face opponents like Oleksandr Usyk, Tyson Fury, Agit Kabayel, Jared Anderson, Daniel Dubois, and Martin Bakole.
There is a belief that Dubois possesses the power to unsettle Joshua both mentally and physically during their upcoming bout. Should Dubois manage to drag Joshua into deep waters and engage him in a prolonged, grueling battle, the outcome could be catastrophic for Joshua. He may find himself at a disadvantage, especially considering his age and the wear and tear he has endured over the years. While Joshua may fare well in a short, knockout-heavy fight, his resilience will be truly tested if the match with Dubois extends beyond six rounds.
Dubois is not taken lightly by the boxing community, with some hailing him as a potential top-tier heavyweight contender. With his raw power and aggression, Dubois has the capability to push Joshua to his limits and expose any lingering weaknesses in the former champion’s armor. The boxing world is buzzing with anticipation for the showdown between Joshua and Dubois, as it could potentially define the future trajectories of both fighters in the heavyweight division.
Anthony Joshua’s upcoming battle against Daniel Dubois is not just a physical test but also a mental one. Joshua’s ability to confront his inner demons and overcome the traumatic memories of his past defeats will play a crucial role in determining his success in the ring. As the date for their clash approaches, the boxing world waits with bated breath to witness the outcome of this high-stakes showdown.