In an unexpected twist that has sent shockwaves through the boxing community, Anthony Joshua has reportedly suffered a serious hand injury during an intense training session with fellow British heavyweight Daniel Dubois. This injury has raised the possibility of canceling Joshua’s highly anticipated fight scheduled for September 21, leaving fans and promoters anxiously awaiting official confirmation.

Joshua, a two-time heavyweight champion, was deep into his training camp, gearing up for a major fight that was seen as a crucial step in his quest to reclaim dominance in the heavyweight division. The injury occurred during a sparring session with Daniel Dubois, another rising star in British boxing, who was brought in to provide a tough challenge during Joshua’s preparation.

According to sources close to the situation, Joshua sustained significant damage to his hand after taking a hard blow from Dubois during their training bout. The injury, which is believed to involve fractures or severe ligament damage, has caused immediate concern for Joshua’s ability to proceed with the fight on September 21.

Joshua’s team has remained relatively tight-lipped about the details, but initial reports indicate that his hand injury is severe enough to disrupt his training schedule and potentially prevent him from being in fighting condition by the time of the bout. This has led to growing speculation that the fight may be postponed or canceled altogether.

For Anthony Joshua, this injury couldn’t come at a worse time. The former heavyweight kingpin has been fighting to regain his standing in the sport after a series of setbacks, including losses to Andy Ruiz Jr. in 2019 and Oleksandr Usyk in 2021. Though he rebounded with a win against Jermaine Franklin earlier this year, the September 21 fight was set to be a pivotal moment in his comeback journey.

Joshua’s health has always been a key factor in his performance, and this hand injury raises significant concerns about his long-term physical condition. If the injury is as serious as feared, it could lead to a lengthy recovery period, sidelining him for months and potentially delaying any future high-profile fights, including potential matchups with rivals like Deontay Wilder or Tyson Fury.

This injury adds yet another layer of uncertainty to Joshua’s career, which has been marked by ups and downs in recent years. The heavyweight division is highly competitive, and any time away from the ring could see Joshua’s momentum slip further, giving other fighters the chance to rise while he recovers.

Daniel Dubois, a talented heavyweight boxer with a reputation for his knockout power, was called upon to spar with Joshua as part of his training camp. Dubois, who has been steadily climbing the ranks of the heavyweight division, was seen as an ideal sparring partner to help prepare Joshua for his upcoming fight.

While sparring sessions are known for their intensity, the injury to Joshua’s hand has sparked debates about the risks of training with such ferocity so close to a major fight. Some have questioned whether the session pushed Joshua too far, while others argue that injuries like this are simply part of the inherent danger in boxing.

Dubois has not commented publicly on the incident, but it is clear that this unfortunate turn of events has left a mark on both fighters’ preparations. Despite the injury, Dubois remains focused on his own career, having recently secured a spot as a top contender in the heavyweight division after his hard-fought battle with Oleksandr Usyk.