Daniel Dubois proved to be too powerful and skillful for Anthony Joshua, defeating him in a dominant performance to retain his IBF world heavyweight title. The 27-year-old Dubois controlled the fight from the outset, winning all five rounds and knocking Joshua down four times throughout the bout.
In the early stages, Dubois overwhelmed the former two-time unified heavyweight champion, consistently landing heavy punches and sending Joshua to the canvas multiple times. The decisive moment came in the dramatic fifth round when Dubois appeared briefly shaken by two right hands from Joshua. Sensing an opportunity, Joshua attempted to capitalize on Dubois’ vulnerability and launched an aggressive attack.
However, Dubois responded swiftly with two consecutive right hands of his own, knocking Joshua down again. This time, Joshua was unable to rise before the referee’s count, ending the fight.
Following the victory, Dubois addressed the crowd at Wembley, exclaiming, “Are you not entertained?” to loud cheers. He went on to say, “I’m a gladiator. I am a warrior to the bitter end. I want to get to the top level of this sport and reach my potential.”
Dubois’ win keeps him on track to achieve greater heights in the heavyweight division, where Ukraine’s Oleksandr Usyk has become the sport’s first-ever undisputed four-belt heavyweight champion after defeating Tyson Fury in May.
Usyk now holds the IBF, WBO, WBC, and WBA titles simultaneously. However, instead of facing Dubois, who is the mandatory IBF challenger, Usyk opted for a rematch with Fury.
Dubois secured the interim IBF title earlier in June and was officially promoted to world champion status when Usyk vacated the IBF belt.
