Daniel Dubois delivered a spectacular performance at Wembley Stadium on Saturday night, demolishing Anthony Joshua with a fifth-round knockout to retain the IBF world heavyweight title.
Dubois, 27, entered the fight as the underdog but quickly proved his dominance, leaving no doubt about his status as one of the top heavyweights in the world.
This victory solidifies Dubois’ place among boxing’s elite and opens the door for potential unification bouts against the likes of Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk.
From the very first bell, Daniel set the tone for the fight, showcasing his strength and power. The opening round saw Dubois landing a powerful overhand right that sent Joshua to the canvas.
The blow left Joshua visibly shaken and put him in survival mode for the remainder of the fight. Dubois, who had been determined to prove his worth as the IBF champion, showed relentless aggression throughout the contest.
By the second round, Joshua was on the defensive, struggling to find his rhythm. Dubois capitalized on every opportunity, applying constant pressure that kept the former two-time heavyweight champion on the back foot.
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Dubois’ strategy was clear—stay aggressive and overwhelm Joshua with powerful shots.
In the third round, Joshua was knocked down again, this time by a devastating left hook that caused his legs to buckle. Although Joshua protested that it was not a legitimate knockdown, the damage had been done.
The momentum was fully in Dubois’ favor, and Wembley’s 96,000-strong crowd could sense that a knockout was inevitable.
The fifth round was where the fight truly exploded into a dramatic spectacle. Joshua managed to land two solid right hands, momentarily stunning Dubois.
For a brief moment, it looked as though Joshua might turn the tide and get back into the fight. However, Dubois quickly regained control and unleashed a devastating combination of right hands that floored Joshua for the fourth and final time.
Joshua, unable to beat the count, saw the fight slip away, marking a devastating end to his title aspirations.
He, on the other hand, celebrated the biggest win of his 24-fight career, expressing his joy to DAZN in a post-fight interview: “Are you not entertained? I’m a gladiator, and I want to reach my full potential in this sport.”
Dubois’ Rise to the Top of the Heavyweight Division
His performance against Joshua answered any lingering questions about his legitimacy as the IBF world heavyweight champion. Dubois won the interim title in June after Oleksandr Usyk vacated the belt to pursue other championship opportunities.
Many had speculated whether Dubois was ready for the top tier of the division, but his decisive victory over a former champion like Joshua silenced the critics.
This win elevates Dubois to the top of the heavyweight ranks, positioning him for potential mega-fights with current WBO, WBA, and WBC champion Tyson Fury or a rematch with Usyk. Both fights would bring immense interest from fans and provide Dubois with an opportunity to unify the heavyweight division.
His rise is a testament to his resilience and skill. At 27, he has plenty of time to continue growing and improving, making him a serious contender for future unification bouts.
His powerful punching, relentless aggression, and determination to dominate the heavyweight division have made him a force to be reckoned with.
For Anthony Joshua, this defeat marks a significant crossroads in his career. The former two-time heavyweight champion was aiming to join the elite ranks of fighters like Muhammad Ali and Lennox Lewis by becoming a three-time heavyweight champion.
However, his fourth career loss, following defeats to Andy Ruiz and two consecutive losses to Usyk, raises questions about his ability to compete at the highest level.
Joshua has hinted that he will continue his boxing career, stating after the fight: “Before I came here, I always say to myself I’m a fighter for life. You keep rolling the dice.” Despite his determination to keep fighting, the loss to Dubois forces him to reassess his future strategy in the sport.
Promoter Eddie Hearn suggested that a rematch with Dubois could be on the horizon. However, Joshua may need time to recover and rebuild his confidence before pursuing another high-profile bout.
Hearn acknowledged the danger of a potential rematch, noting that Dubois is only growing stronger and more confident with each fight.
