Anthony Joshua, once the dominant force in the heavyweight division, has faced setbacks in recent years. With losses to Oleksandr Usyk and Andy Ruiz Jr., Joshua’s credibility as a top-tier fighter has been called into question. The upcoming fight against IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois on September 21st at Wembley Stadium has been touted as a pivotal moment in Joshua’s career. However, is Dubois really the ultimate measure of Joshua’s comeback?
Dubois, an up-and-coming talent in the heavyweight division, does not possess the same level of skill and experience as fighters like Usyk or Ruiz. Therefore, pinning Joshua’s resurgence solely on a victory over Dubois might be simplistic. To truly prove himself, Joshua needs to face and defeat top-tier opponents like Usyk, who has already bested him twice.
The Ben Davison Factor
Gareth A. Davies’s assertion that Joshua has undergone an “extraordinary journey” under trainer Ben Davison raises eyebrows. While Joshua has secured wins under Davison’s guidance, the quality of his opponents leaves much to be desired. Beating ordinary fighters like Francis Ngannou, Otto Wallin, Robert Helenius, and Jermaine Franklin hardly speaks to Joshua’s readiness to take on elite competition.
A True Test of Strength
The looming rematch between Tyson Fury and Usyk adds another layer of complexity to Joshua’s path to redemption. Should Fury fall to Usyk, the dream match between Fury and Joshua may never materialize. This puts added pressure on Joshua to prove himself against the best in the division. Merely defeating Dubois will not be enough to silence the skeptics.
Gareth’s suggestion that a victory over Dubois will put Joshua “totally back on course” is optimistic at best. Considering Joshua’s previous losses to Usyk, it is evident that the Ukrainian fighter presents a significant challenge to Joshua’s ambitions. Usyk’s technical prowess and strategic acumen have proven to be formidable obstacles for Joshua to overcome.
The Future of British Boxing
As the heavyweight landscape evolves, the fate of British boxing hangs in the balance. With potential matchups between Joshua, Fury, and Usyk on the horizon, fans are eager to witness the clash of titans. However, if recent history is any indication, the outcomes of these fights are far from certain. Joshua’s ability to navigate this competitive landscape will determine his legacy in the sport.
While the fight against Daniel Dubois may serve as a stepping stone for Anthony Joshua’s comeback, it is far from being the ultimate litmus test of his abilities. To truly reclaim his status as a heavyweight kingpin, Joshua must face and conquer the best in the division, including the likes of Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury. Only then can he silence the critics and cement his legacy in the annals of boxing history.