Boxing news: Daniel Dubois on a mission to ‘slay’ Anthony Joshua in Wembley bout

Daniel Dubois says he is ‘ready to let my fists do the talking’ when he steps into the ring with fellow British heavyweight Anthony Joshua at Wembley Stadium on September 21.

Dubois will lock horns with Joshua in a fight screened live on Sky Sports Box Office - with the IBF belt on the line after Oleksandr Usyk vacated it on Tuesday, meaning Dubois was upgraded from IBF interim title holder to the IBF champion.

Joshua was outpointed by Usyk in two fights that spanned 2021 and 2022 - but he has got his career back on track following a points win over Jermaine Franklin in 2023 and stoppage victories over Robert Helenius and Otto Wallin.

He overpowered former UFC champion Francis Ngannou, who went 10 rounds with Tyson Fury in his first professional boxing bout, in two rounds.

And Joshua seems to have that steely determination to destroy all before him again, telling a press conference on Wednesday: “I've had Dubois on my mind for a while, and he'll be on my mind for the next 12 weeks until I get my hand raised.

"I'm not silly either, I know the game. We're all in the wild. We're a pack of lions and hunters. I have to keep my eyes peeled, I can't just focus on those two [Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder].

"The goal is just to get through a successful training camp, and then performing on the night. The shiny stuff comes at a later date."

Dubois also found Usyk too hot to handle, losing in the ninth round to the Ukrainian warrior after challenging him for the WBO, WBA and IBF titles in Poland last summer.

He has since beaten Jarrell Miller and Filip Hrgovic so is full of confidence ahead of the September brawl with Joshua, telling the press: "I'm just aiming to be the best. To fight the best and beat the best.

“AJ has been the king for a long time, and we all know it, so on the night I need to become a king-slayer.

"That's my goal and that's the mission at hand. I'm just ready to go.

"I'm definitely learning more about myself with every fight, as a fighter and as a person. Coming out of the darkness, going into the light and being a man of the future.

"I've improved all round as a fighter and an athlete. I'm really up for this and ready to go.

“I'm ready to let my fists do the talking. I'm 100m per cent ready. I'm going to go to camp, focus and train like a beast. Bring it on."

Here, Sports News Blitz takes a look at the career of Joshua so far.

Early Life and Amateur Career

Birth and Background: Anthony Joshua was born on October 15, 1989, in Watford, Hertfordshire, England. He proudly carries the heritage of Nigerian and Irish descent.

Start in Boxing: Joshua embarked on his boxing journey at the age of 18, a relatively late start for a professional. His natural athleticism, combined with unwavering dedication, quickly elevated him through the amateur ranks.

Amateur Achievements: Joshua's amateur career culminated in a crowning achievement when he secured a gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics in the super-heavyweight division. This triumph solidified his reputation as an emerging luminary in the sport.

Professional Career

Debut and Early Fights: Joshua's professional debut on October 5, 2013, was a harbinger of greatness, as he dispatched Emanuele Leo with a first-round knockout.

His early professional career was distinguished by a succession of knockout victories, a testament to his formidable power and skill.

Rise to Prominence: Ascending rapidly through the ranks, Joshua claimed the British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles in 2015. His exceptional blend of power, athleticism, and technical prowess endeared him to fans and experts alike.

Major Titles and Fights

IBF Heavyweight Champion: On April 9, 2016, Joshua captured the IBF heavyweight title by defeating Charles Martin with a stunning second-round knockout, heralding his arrival on the world stage.

Unified Heavyweight Champion: Joshua's legacy was further cemented when he unified the WBA (Super), IBF, and IBO titles by vanquishing the legendary Wladimir Klitschko in a dramatic and celebrated bout on April 29, 2017, at Wembley Stadium.

This fight, characterised by Joshua's resilience and power, is regarded as one of the finest in heavyweight history, culminating in an 11th-round TKO victory where Joshua picked himself off the canvas to battle back in stunning style.

Further Defenses and Titles: Joshua continued his reign, adding the WBO heavyweight title to his collection by defeating Joseph Parker on March 31, 2018, in a masterful display of boxing acumen.

Upset and Redemption

Loss to Andy Ruiz Jr.: On June 1, 2019, Joshua faced a significant setback, succumbing to Andy Ruiz Jr. in a shocking upset at Madison Square Garden. Ruiz's TKO victory in the seventh round marked Joshua's first professional defeat.

Regaining Titles: Demonstrating his indomitable spirit, Joshua reclaimed his titles in a rematch against Ruiz on December 7, 2019, in Saudi Arabia. His unanimous decision victory showcased his strategic brilliance and superior conditioning.

Recent Career and Challenges

Fight with Kubrat Pulev: Joshua's successful defence of his titles against Kubrat Pulev on December 12, 2020, ended with a spectacular ninth-round knockout.

Fight with Oleksandr Usyk: On September 25, 2021, Joshua faced a formidable challenge, losing his titles to Oleksandr Usyk, a former undisputed cruiserweight champion, by unanimous decision.

The rematch on August 20, 2022, saw Usyk once again triumph by split decision, solidifying his position as the unified heavyweight champion.

Legacy and Impact

Influence and Popularity: Joshua is revered for his impressive physique, knockout power, and magnetic charisma both inside and outside the ring.

He has become a global ambassador for boxing, inspiring countless fans around the world.

Philanthropy and Business Ventures: Beyond his boxing prowess, Joshua is deeply involved in various business ventures and philanthropic efforts. He is committed to promoting boxing and supporting youth through sports, embodying the spirit of giving back to the community.

Anthony Joshua remains a towering figure in the heavyweight division, with the world eagerly anticipating his future endeavors and potential to reclaim his titles.

His journey is a testament to resilience, excellence, and the enduring spirit of a true champion.

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