Brashna Kasi
Updated on: October 11, 2024 1:23 am GMT
As Anthony Joshua prepares for a highly anticipated showdown against Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium on September 21, the stakes have never been higher for both boxers. The bout promises not only to capture the attention of boxing fans worldwide but could also mark a pivotal moment in the careers of these heavyweight contenders. Joshua, a former champion, seeks to reclaim his title and become a three-time world heavyweight champion, while Dubois aims to establish himself among boxing’s elite.
Promoters Weigh In on Joshua vs. Dubois
Promoter Eddie Hearn has been vocal about Joshua’s capabilities leading into this match. He responded to criticisms from Dubois’ promoter Frank Warren, who questioned the quality of Joshua’s recent opponents. Hearn pointed out that Joshua’s past opponents, including Otto Wallin and Francis Ngannou, should not be overlooked. He praised Joshua’s performance against Ngannou, highlighting how he decisively outperformed the former MMA star, who has garnered significant attention for his boxing debut against Tyson Fury.
Hearn stated, “If Daniel Dubois wants to get hit by the right hand and wants to make sloppy mistakes, the same thing that happened to Ngannou will happen to him.” This assertion serves as a warning to Dubois, suggesting that Joshua’s powerful right hand could deliver a similar fate as seen in Joshua’s earlier matches.
Wembley Showdown: A Fight to Watch
The Joshua-Dubois match is generating increased buzz, not just for its implications for title status but also due to the fighting styles of both athletes. Joshua, known for his technical prowess and knockout power, will be facing Dubois, a younger fighter with his own ambitions and strengths. Hearn acknowledged Dubois’s capabilities, stating that he is a “world-class heavyweight” who is both young and hungry. However, he firmly believes that Joshua holds a significant advantage heading into the fight.
“This is a very dangerous fight,” Hearn noted. “It’s one that you watch through your fingers. Two massive heavyweights, very fast, punch extremely hard.” The match’s volatile nature promises to keep fans on the edge of their seats from the opening bell.
Joshua’s Future and Retirement Plans
As the boxing world eyes this critical matchup, speculation about Joshua’s future continues to swirl. Initially stating a desire to retire by age 35, Joshua’s previous back-to-back defeats against Oleksandr Usyk raised questions about his longevity in the sport. Promoter Hearn revealed that Joshua is no closer to hanging up his gloves, emphasizing that the athlete is currently experiencing a renewed enjoyment for boxing.
“Everything changes after every fight,” Hearn mused, adding that Joshua has discovered a rhythm with his current training team. “If you look back after the Oleksandr Usyk fights, you might have said, ‘How many more fights? Three? Five?’ Well, we’ve had four since then, and now we’re saying five [more] still.”
As Joshua approaches his 35th birthday next month, fans are eager to see how many more fights he intends to pursue following the Dubois bout and whether his body can withstand the rigors of the sport.
Global Audience and Broadcast Details
Anticipation for the Joshua-Dubois fight is palpable, and it is being broadcast live on Sky Sports Box Office, ensuring accessibility for both subscribers and non-subscribers. This allows an extensive audience to witness the clash between two highly regarded heavyweights in the boxing world.
With heavyweight champions often drawing substantial interest, the match at Wembley on September 21 serves as a platform for Joshua not only to reclaim his status but also as an opportunity for Dubois to solidify his position in the upper echelons of boxing.
Potential Impact of the Fight
Victory for Anthony Joshua would reaffirm his status as one of the premier heavyweights in boxing, while a win for Daniel Dubois could position him as a major player and potential future champion. As Hearn noted, the fight could also potentially shift narratives surrounding both fighters, especially given the close competitive nature inherent in heavyweight boxing.
“People are trying to find a way of talking Daniel Dubois up in this fight,” Hearn stated. “You don’t need to – he’s the real deal.”
Both fighters are aware of the implications this fight carries, not just for their careers but also for the legacies they aim to build in the sport. It is not just about a title but about defining their futures within a demanding and ever-changing landscape of heavyweight boxing.
Get ready for an exciting night at Wembley! Boxing fans can’t wait to see who will win this important match. As the fight day gets closer, the excitement grows, and both fighters feel the pressure to perform well. The result of this fight could change their careers forever, making it one of the biggest events in boxing for 2024.
