Recent reports suggest that a potential clash between British heavyweights Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois is in the works for September 21st at Wembley Stadium in London. While the full IBF heavyweight title could be on the line, the real prize is the chance to face the winner of the Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk rematch scheduled for December 21st.
Daniel Dubois, with a record of 21-2 and 20 knockouts, made a statement by stopping Eddie Hearn’s unbeaten fighter Filip Hrgovic to capture the IBF interim heavyweight title. Dubois, just 26 years old, proved that he has the skills and power to compete at the highest level of the division. His victory came as a surprise to many, as few had given him much of a chance against the talented Hrgovic.
Anthony Joshua, with a record of 28-3 and 25 knockouts, and his promoter Eddie Hearn have been focused on securing a showdown for the undisputed championship against the winner of the Fury-Usyk 2 fight. However, their decision to first go after the IBF title by facing the dangerous Dubois could prove to be a costly mistake. Joshua’s recent victories over tough opponents may have given him a false sense of confidence, reminiscent of his early days in the sport.
Joshua’s wins over Francis Ngannou, Otto Wallin, and Robert Helenius may have led him to believe that he is the same dominant force he was in 2013 when he first turned professional. However, at almost 35 years old, Joshua has faced numerous challenges and accumulated wear and tear on his body. Going up against a young and hungry fighter like Dubois could be a dangerous gamble, especially with the lucrative potential payday awaiting him in a fight against the Fury-Usyk 2 winner.
As the negotiations for the Joshua vs. Dubois fight continue, many in the boxing world are questioning the wisdom of this matchup. While Dubois has proven himself to be a legitimate threat in the heavyweight division, Joshua’s experience and skill level cannot be overlooked. The outcome of this potential showdown could have major implications for both fighters’ careers and the landscape of the heavyweight division.
The rumored fight between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois represents a high-risk, high-reward scenario for both fighters. While Joshua may see an opportunity to add another title to his collection, facing a dangerous opponent like Dubois could jeopardize his chances of securing a future megafight against the Fury-Usyk 2 winner. Only time will tell if this risky move will pay off or if it will backfire on Joshua and his team.