Anthony Joshua has the chance to become a three-time world heavyweight champion on Saturday when Daniel Dubois puts his IBF belt on the line at Wembley Stadium in London.
Dubois – who beat Filip Hrgović in June – was awarded the title after it was vacated by Oleksandr Usyk, who called it his “gift” to Dubois and Joshua ahead of their fight.
The contest pits two fighters at different stages of their respective careers against each other, with the tantalizing prospect of another title fight against Usyk or Tyson Fury.
Important details:
Date: Saturday 21 September. The ring walk is set for 10.30pm UK time.
Venue: Wembley Stadium
Titles: Daniel Dubois IBF World Heavyweight Title
Full card:
Tyler Denny vs. Hamzah Sheeraz for Denny’s European Middleweight Title
Anthony Cacace vs. Josh Warrington for Cacace’s IBF junior lightweight title
Joshua Buatsi vs. Willy Hutchinson for the vacant IBF interim light heavyweight title
Ishmael Davis vs. Josh Kelly, middleweight (non-title fight)
Mark Chamberlain vs. Josh Padley, lightweight (non-title fight)
Where can I see the Joshua-Dubois fight card?
The fight will be available to buy on Sky Sports, TNT and DAZN in the UK and on DAZN in the US Ring Walk set for 10.30pm UK time (5.30pm ET).
ESPN will also have a live blog in the evening.
What is at stake?
In addition to Dubois’ IBF title, the winner will likely be in line to face either Fury or Usyk next year after their rematch on December 21 in Riyadh.
Rumblings of a much-anticipated clash between Joshua and Fury have grown stronger in recent weeks, but he will focus on Dubois first and foremost as the loser will once again be forced to climb back up into the highly competitive heavyweight division.
Both Joshua and Dubois have already taken on Ukrainian Usyk in title fights, with Joshua coming up short first at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in September 2021 and then in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in August 2022 – both times via comfortable points decisions.
Dubois gave Usyk arguably the biggest scare of his impeccable professional career in their fight in Wrocław, Poland, when the Englishman dropped his opponent in Round 5 with what was controversially deemed a low blow, before the champion recovered to win by knockout in Round 9.
Statistics
Statistics will follow from ESPN’s statistics and information group.
Key questions:
How will Dubois handle the big occasion?
Joshua, 34, is far more experienced than the 27-year-old Dubois, so the bright lights at Wembley will be a real test for the younger man who will have to deal with being the center of attention in fight week before his exit in front of 96,000 fans at England’s national stadium.
By comparison, arguably the best night of Joshua’s career came at Wembley in 2017, when he knocked out Wladimir Klitschko to become unified champion. Joshua has won all four of his bouts at the stadium, three of which he headlined, although the most recent of those bouts came in December 2020 against Kubrat Pulev.
How aggressive will Joshua be against a better opponent?
Joshua made light work of Francis Ngannou in March, scoring a devastating 2nd round knockout in Riyadh, even after many believed the former UFC heavyweight champion could potentially cause him problems after knocking out Tyson Fury in his previous foray into the world of heavyweight boxing. That win followed Joshua’s wild display against Otto Wallin in December.
On both of these occasions, Joshua let go of his hands and his opponents simply could not handle him. Dubois, a big hitter himself, will be a step up in class. So, will Joshua show more caution? Or will it be all guns blazing from the opening bell?
Latest news:
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Dubois has been vocal about backing himself in the build-up to the fight and has said he could be the “king killer” against Joshua.
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Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher will perform as part of the fight night entertainment, with rumors brother Noel may also make an appearance ahead of the band’s 2025 reunion.
Oleksandr Usyk vacates IBF title ahead of Joshua-Dubois fight
After becoming the first undisputed world heavyweight champion in nearly 25 years in May, Usyk relinquished his IBF belt in what he called his “gift” to Joshua and Dubois.
Is Dubois a real threat to Joshua?
Nick Parkinson takes a deeper look at Dubois and how much of a threat he can pose to his opponent.
Form guide:
Joshua:
Win against. Jermain Franklin (MFA) 1 April 2023
Win against. Robert Helenius (KO) Aug. 12, 2023
Win against Otto Wallin (TKO) dec. 23, 2023
Win vs. 100% free. Francis Ngannou (KO) March 8,
Dubois:
Win against Kevin Lerena (KO) December 3, 2022
Loss against. Oleksandr Usyk (KO) Aug. 26, 2023
Win vs. Jarrell Miller (KO) December 23, 2023
Win against. Filip Hrgović (TKO) Jun. 1, 2024
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