Anthony Joshua will remain on course to become a three-time heavyweight champion if he can get past a rejuvenated Daniel Dubois.
At least one person believes “AJ” can take that next step – and do it with flair.
Joshua, 34, is scheduled to challenge Dubois, 26, in an all-British heavyweight clash for the IBF heavyweight title at Wembley Stadium in London on Sept. 21. Joshua (28-3, 25 KOs) can regain one of the three titles he previously held if he can defeat Dubois (21-2, 20 KOs), who has been upgraded from interim status to full IBF titleholder.
Ahead of the much-anticipated showdown, Eddie Hearn, chairman of Matchroom Boxing and Joshua’s promoter, anticipates a tough task for his fighter.
“It’s a massive fight,” Hearn said on DAZN. “Both guys are in the form of their careers right now, the confidence of their careers. Dubois is a very dangerous opponent, but AJ’s looking sensational. I believe he knocks him out in style.”
Joshua is on a four-fight winning streak since he was dethroned as the unified titleholder by Ukraine’s Oleksandr Usyk in September 2021. Joshua went on to lose an immediate rematch to the Ukrainian 11 months later. Joshua has since secured victories over Jermaine Franklin Jr., Robert Helenius, Otto Wallin and Francis Ngannou.
There has been a bit of animosity between Joshua and Dubois since the announcement of the fight – a friction Hearn believes would motivate his fighter to secure another emphatic title win.
“Absolutely,” Hearn said. “Joshua is always motivated, but when that happens, there’s just a little bit more spring in the step and spine cap. And this is a chance for AJ to become three-time world heavyweight champion on such a massive night.”
On the other hand, Dubois will make his second world championship bow since getting knocked out in nine rounds by Usyk in August last year. The fight was for Usyk’s three heavyweight belts. Since then, Dubois has recorded TKO wins over Jarrell Miller and Filip Hrgovic.
On Sept. 21, Dubois will make his second world title bid against one of the biggest heavyweights today in Joshua. Hearn expects the best of performances from his fighter.
“Both fighters are in their formative careers right now, and the confidence is up there,” he said. “This should be a great night of boxing.”
