Daniel Dubois may have been handed the IBF world heavyweight title after Oleksandr Usyk vacated the belt, but he proved himself the rightful champion with a devastating fifth-round knockout of Anthony Joshua in their all-British showdown at Wembley Stadium. Dubois, 27, delivered the biggest win of his career, cementing his place as the new heavyweight force in British boxing.
In the opening rounds, Dubois was the aggressor, pushing Joshua back with a relentless assault. By the end of the first round, Dubois had Joshua down, sending shockwaves through the 96,000-strong crowd. Joshua, known for his resilience, survived the early onslaught but found himself floored repeatedly as the fight progressed.
Joshua, 34, had hoped to become a three-time world champion in his comeback, but Dubois dismantled him with precise and punishing blows. The fourth round saw Joshua struggling to stay on his feet, and by the fifth, Dubois unleashed a thunderous right hand that sent Joshua crumpling to the canvas, unable to beat the count.
Dubois had referred to this fight as his “resurrection story,” aiming to finally win a title after earlier disappointments, including his 2022 loss to Usyk in Poland and a 2020 defeat to Joe Joyce due to a fractured eye socket. Since then, Dubois has rebuilt his career, securing impressive victories over Jarrell Miller and Filip Hrgovic, proving his grit and determination.
Joshua, on the other hand, now faces a critical juncture in his career after suffering his fourth comprehensive defeat. Although a rematch clause is in place, questions loom over whether Joshua has the drive to continue in a sport that has seen him beaten decisively.
For Dubois, this victory signals a potential showdown in the future with the winner of the Usyk vs. Tyson Fury rematch, setting the stage for a possible all-British clash for the undisputed heavyweight title in 2025. As he celebrates his finest triumph, Dubois has undoubtedly emerged as a new figurehead in British boxing.
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Madukwe B. Nwabuisi is an accomplished journalist renown for his fearless reporting style and extensive expertise in the field. He is an investigative journalist, who has established himself as a kamikaze reporter.
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