LONDON (AP) — Daniel Dubois has firmly established himself as a legitimate world heavyweight champion. His dominance was showcased in a punishing fifth-round knockout of Anthony Joshua, witnessed by 96,000 spectators at Wembley Stadium, highlighting Dubois as a potential star in boxing’s premier division.
After the fight, Dubois turned to the crowd and exclaimed, “Are you not entertained?” His victory over Joshua has solidified his claim to the heavyweight title, just three months after acquiring the IBF belt vacated by Oleksandr Usyk.
In a surprising move, Dubois entered the ring first, adding to the drama of this all-British title showdown, which felt more like a homecoming for Joshua. The former champion had been a beloved figure in British boxing for the past decade, seeking to join the ranks of legendary fighters like Muhammad Ali and Lennox Lewis by claiming the heavyweight title for the third time.
The 27-year-old Dubois succeeded in flooring Joshua not once, but twice—in the first and third rounds. He concluded the fight with a powerful counter right hand that knocked Joshua face-first to the canvas just 59 seconds into the fifth round.
Although Joshua’s corner threw in the towel to halt the contest, it was clear he had little chance of recovery, as he struggled throughout the match, revealing the challenges he faces at this stage in his career.
On the other hand, a defeated Joshua expressed his determination to continue competing despite suffering his fourth defeat in five years. His promoter, Eddie Hearn, revealed plans to activate the rematch clause to give Joshua another chance.
This loss was particularly tough for Joshua, who endured knockdowns in the first and third rounds, and struggled against Dubois’s relentless attack. The 33-year-old was saved by the bell after each of the knockdowns, struggling to regain his composure after taking a hard overhead right late in the first round.
Joshua’s performance deteriorated throughout the fight, and a significant left hook from Dubois in the third round sent him tumbling into the ropes, further showcasing his opponent’s power.
“I faced a sharp and fast opponent today,” Joshua reflected. “However, I made many mistakes that I need to learn from.”
The match set a post-war boxing attendance record in Britain, signaling a dramatic shift in the heavyweight landscape. Joshua has been a massive draw in U.K. boxing for a decade, thanks to his impressive punching power and significant marketability. However, following this defeat, his prospects as a title contender appear grim, with his record now standing at 28 wins against 4 losses.
Meanwhile, Dubois (22-2, 21 KOs) is undeniably viewed as the future of the heavyweight division. He expressed a desire for another shot against Usyk, after their controversial clash in Wroclaw, Poland, last year, which involved a disputed low blow. Additionally, a highly anticipated matchup with the aging Fury could soon be on the horizon.
“I’m a gladiator. I’m a warrior to the bitter end,” Dubois stated confidently. “I have my sights set on reaching the highest levels of this sport.”
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