Promoter Eddie Hearn has hinted at Anthony Joshua’s forthcoming fight announcement, expected to be unveiled at a press conference on June 26th for a clash on September 21st at Wembley Stadium. Hearn’s stance on the opponent, Daniel Dubois, indicates a significant bout for Joshua, which raises the excitement level among fans. The prospect of Joshua facing Zhilei Zhang was also discussed, highlighting the potential threat posed by Zhang’s counter-punching ability, power, and southpaw stance. However, the argument that Zhang could potentially knock out Joshua and alter his future plans seems quite far-fetched and exaggerated.
Possibility of an Upset
The confidence gained by Daniel Dubois from recent victories over Filip Hrgovic and Jarrell Miller is perceived as a factor that could potentially lead to an upsetting defeat for Joshua. Dubois’ young age of 26, against Joshua turning 35 soon, is seen as a disadvantage for Joshua in the upcoming fight. The concerns raised about Joshua’s capability to overcome Dubois might indicate a shift in the tide, suggesting that the upcoming match could be more challenging than anticipated.
The strategy employed by Eddie Hearn in rebuilding Anthony Joshua’s career path has been met with skepticism. The careful selection of opponents perceived as “soft” by critics has been viewed as a marketing gimmick rather than genuine rebuilding. The comparison drawn between Joshua’s recent opponents and Dubois’ tougher competition highlights the contrasting paths taken by the two boxers. The focus on providing Joshua with lesser opponents as opposed to challenging competitors raises doubts about Joshua’s ability to face the likes of Dubois and Zhang.
Adequate scrutiny of Joshua’s recent opponents unveils a pattern of relatively easier fights compared to what Dubois has encountered. The emphasis on Joshua’s growing list of competitors, including Francis Ngannous, Otto Wallin, Robert Helenius, and Jermaine Franklin, raises questions about the level of challenge faced by the heavyweight champion. The lack of formidable opponents faced by Joshua suggests a potential vulnerability if confronted with tougher competition like Dubois or Zhang.
The discussion around Ben Davison’s impact on Joshua’s recent performances sheds light on the role of coaching in preparing a boxer for challenging bouts. While Davison’s influence is acknowledged, the argument that other trainers could have achieved similar results in guiding Joshua through his last few fights raises doubts about the significance of coaching. Ade’s observation on the potential of Dubois to cause an upset despite being perceived as an underdog illustrates the unpredictability of boxing matches and the importance of adequate preparation.
The analysis of Anthony Joshua’s potential opponents reveals a mix of anticipation, doubt, and unpredictability. The contrasting paths taken by Joshua and Dubois in terms of opponents faced, coaching influence, and age factor suggest a complex narrative leading up to their upcoming fight. As the boxing world eagerly awaits the official announcement, the underlying questions about Joshua’s readiness to face formidable challengers linger, emphasizing the need for thorough preparation and strategic planning in the world of boxing.