In a shocking twist that has rocked the boxing world, Anthony Joshua has come forward with explosive claims against fellow British heavyweight Daniel Dubois, accusing him of benefiting from unethical refereeing and hidden manipulations behind the scenes. The controversy stems from Dubois’ recent high-stakes bout, which many fans and experts are now questioning following Joshua’s unexpected exposé.

Dubois, long seen as one of the rising stars of British boxing, recently scored a controversial victory in a closely contested fight. But what was once viewed as a hard-earned win is now under intense scrutiny, as Joshua’s accusations bring new light to what could be one of the biggest boxing scandals in recent memory.

Joshua Breaks His Silence

Anthony Joshua, a two-time former unified heavyweight champion, is not known for stirring controversy. However, in a candid interview earlier this week, he broke his silence about what he called “dark practices” surrounding Dubois’ career.

“There’s something not right,” Joshua said. “The referee in that fight? A joke. Slow counts, missed fouls, and very questionable decisions. It’s like they were there to protect Dubois, not judge the fight.”

Joshua went further, hinting at a pattern of manipulation in Dubois’ corner over several bouts. “It’s not just one match. There’s been a string of ‘lucky breaks.’ This time, the whole world saw it. We can’t keep sweeping this under the rug,” he added.

The Referee Under Fire

At the heart of the storm is referee Mark Ellison, who officiated Dubois’ recent controversial fight. Boxing analysts have since reviewed the match footage and pointed out a series of questionable calls. These include a slow standing count after Dubois was clearly rocked by a punch, warnings not given for repeated low blows, and what some believe was a premature stoppage when Dubois was in trouble.

Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn echoed Joshua’s sentiments, stating, “We need to protect the integrity of this sport. If officials are not held accountable, we’re undermining everything the fighters put into this.”

The British Boxing Board of Control (BBBoC) has announced it will review the fight and the referee’s performance, following widespread outrage from fans and fighters alike.

Dubois Responds

Facing growing criticism, Dubois finally issued a statement late Wednesday. “I have nothing to hide. I train hard, I fight clean, and I respect the rules. If people want to question my wins, that’s up to them, but I know what I’ve put into this sport,” he said.

However, his response did little to calm the storm, as social media continues to be flooded with slow-motion clips and angry analysis from fans who feel robbed of a fair contest.

A Community Divided

The scandal has split the boxing community. Some argue that Joshua’s timing is suspicious, suggesting he may be trying to damage Dubois’ momentum to clear the path for a potential future bout. Others applaud Joshua for taking a stand and calling out what they see as blatant corruption.

Former champion Carl Froch weighed in, saying, “I don’t know if it’s a full-blown conspiracy, but I do know something didn’t sit right with that match. Joshua is putting his reputation on the line to speak out. That deserves respect.”

What’s Next?

With the BBBoC launching a formal investigation, there may be consequences for both the referee and Dubois’ camp. If misconduct is proven, the match result could be overturned, and Dubois might face suspension or fines.

Meanwhile, the idea of a Joshua vs. Dubois bout is suddenly more tantalizing than ever, with fans demanding the two settle their differences in the ring. For now, the boxing world waits with bated breath to see if this scandal will lead to real change—or just become another forgotten chapter in the sport’s long history of controversy.

One thing is certain: the gloves are off, and the truth is on the ropes.