The boxing world is abuzz as Anthony Joshua gears up to face Daniel Dubois in a highly anticipated Battle of Britain. With the IBF heavyweight title on the line, the fight, scheduled for September 21 at Wembley, promises fireworks both inside and outside the ring.
Promoter Eddie Hearn, representing Joshua, has issued a stark warning to Dubois, emphasizing the danger posed by the former unified champion. The tension between the two fighters was palpable during a recent face-to-face interview, which nearly erupted into a physical altercation, prompting security to step in.
As the anticipation builds, Hearn expressed confidence in Joshua’s ability to dominate the fight. “Both are going to be letting their hands go,” Hearn told BoxingScene. “Both are very dangerous. Some people call it a ‘shootout’. But I think AJ’s top sniper. He’s too accurate; he’s too good; and I think if you’re going to get hit against Anthony Joshua, you’re going to have serious problems.”
Hearn underscored that Joshua’s precision and tactical approach set him apart from other fighters. “AJ’s not gonna stand in front of him like Filip Hrgovic and just ship shots. It’s two very dangerous heavyweight punchers, who are in the form and confidence of their career.”
Daniel Dubois, 26, shocked the boxing world by defeating Hrgovic to win the interim title in June. He was later elevated to full champion status after Oleksandr Usyk vacated the IBF title. Dubois, having fought through intense battles against Jarrell Miller and Hrgovic, is at the peak of his career and presents a formidable challenge for Joshua.
Meanwhile, Joshua, 34, is riding high on a wave of momentum following a sensational knockout victory over former UFC champion Francis Ngannou in March. Hearn believes that this victory has revitalized Joshua, bringing back the aggressive and determined fighter that fans adore.
The upcoming bout is more than just a title fight; it’s a clash of egos and a battle for national pride. The pre-fight tensions and the fighters’ readiness to engage even before the official bell have set the stage for an explosive encounter. “It’s not a good time to fight Dubois, and it’s definitely not a good time to fight AJ,” Hearn remarked. “The key points for me are two massive punchers in their absolute primes.”
Dubois, known for his powerful punches and relentless aggression, will need to be at his very best to overcome Joshua, whose experience and ring intelligence are unparalleled. The fight is expected to draw massive crowds and generate significant interest from boxing enthusiasts worldwide.
As the countdown to September 21 continues, fans are eagerly waiting to see who will emerge victorious in this epic showdown. Will Joshua reclaim his place at the top of the heavyweight division, or will Dubois continue his meteoric rise and cement his legacy as a champion?