Maxi Hughes, a lightweight contender, has boldly predicted that IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois will defeat Anthony Joshua by knockout in their upcoming fight on September 21st at Wembley Stadium. Hughes believes that Joshua’s vulnerability to hard punches will be his downfall in this match, and that Dubois possesses the power to expose this weakness.
Hughes points out that Joshua, at 34 years old, has shown a tendency to “fall to pieces” when hit hard in fights. Despite the efforts of trainer Ben Davison to rebuild Joshua and make him more aggressive in the ring, the quality of opposition that Joshua has faced in recent matches has raised doubts about his improvement. Hughes argues that Joshua’s wins over fighters like Francis Ngannou and Robert Helenius do not necessarily demonstrate his readiness to face a high-caliber opponent like Dubois.
In contrast, Daniel Dubois, at 26 years old, has been on an upward trajectory in terms of skill and performance. His victories over Filip Hrgovic, Jarrell Miller, and Kevin Lerena have showcased his strength and technique in the ring. Hughes highlights Dubois’ controversial fight against Oleksandr Usyk, in which he dropped Usyk with a body shot that was ruled a low blow, despite replays showing it was legal. This incident underscores Dubois’ potential to deliver knockout punches to formidable opponents.
Maxi Hughes stands by his prediction of Dubois defeating Joshua, despite the consensus favoring Joshua in the match. Hughes cites accounts from other heavyweights who have sparred with both fighters and attested to Dubois’ power and toughness. Hughes emphasizes Dubois’ confidence, especially after his recent win against Filip Hrgovic, as a key factor in his decision to back him for victory.
If Joshua’s chin remains a vulnerability, Dubois may exploit it and secure a decisive victory. This outcome could derail Joshua’s aspirations of reclaiming the heavyweight championship for the third time. However, even in defeat, Joshua has been assured by His Excellency Turki Alalshikhi of a future mega-fight against Tyson Fury. Hughes acknowledges Dubois’ resilience, pointing to his comeback from being knocked down multiple times in a fight against Kevin Lerena as a sign of his mental strength and determination.
The upcoming showdown between Daniel Dubois and Anthony Joshua promises to be a compelling clash of styles and strengths. While Joshua’s reputation precedes him as a formidable heavyweight, Dubois’ recent performances and improvements suggest that he may pose a significant challenge. Maxi Hughes’ prediction adds an intriguing layer to the narrative, setting the stage for an unpredictable and potentially career-defining moment for both fighters.