The boxing showdown will take place in London on September 21st. Anthony Joshua wants to take the IBF title from his compatriot Daniel Dubois. Promoter Frank Warren suggests that if AJ suffers a serious defeat, there will be far-reaching consequences for the former champion.
There is a lot at stake for Daniel Dubois and Anthony Joshua in Wembley. On the one hand, it’s about the IBF heavyweight title – and the possibility of challenging the winner in the rematch between unification world champion Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury. And for Joshua, maybe even about his career?
At least that is what Dubois promoter Frank Warren suggests.
Promoter Warren: All the pressure is on Joshua
“It’s about the way you lose a fight,” Warren told Sky Sports. “If he were to lose the fight badly, it would be difficult for him to come back if he wanted to continue,” the promoter continued.
“But he could also lose in a close fight or by a questionable decision. Anything can happen in boxing.”
According to Warren, the pressure is on Joshua anyway. “He is the bookies’ favourite, the fans’ favourite and obviously the better known of the two boxers, at least in the UK. Everything is on him.”
But Warren is – unsurprisingly – optimistic and is fully committed to Dubois.
“AJ has more experience, but there comes a time in boxing when it is a young man’s sport. I think this young man (Dubois) is in good form right now and I think he will walk away a winner.”
AJ fought back
What speaks for AJ: After his defeats in 2021 and 2022 against Oleksandr Usyk, many had already predicted the end of Joshua’s career. But the Briton pulled himself together, came back in 2023 with several victories and with new trainer Davison and is now in a waiting position.
“I think if you look back at the fights against Oleksandr Usyk, you might have said: how many fights does he have left? Three? Five?” Joshua promoter Eddie Hearn reminded “talkSPORT” of his protégé’s once less than promising prospects. “Well, we’ve had four fights since then and now we’re saying: still five more. It’s fight by fight.”
Hearn said he had never seen his compatriot “enjoy boxing so much”. “The preparation, the team. It’s simple but effective. I think he’s really found his rhythm with Ben (Davison, ed.).”
Source: www.sport.de
