Last weekend (21st September) Anthony Joshua aimed at greatness as he challenged newly announced IBF heavyweight title holder Daniel Dubois to try to grasp a version of the heavyweight crown for a third time. Unfortunately, the reigning champion and scripted underdog in this case had other ideas. The title holder Dubois entered the ring first as an afterthought to the favourable Joshua despite defending his hardware, but it was evident from his demeanour that Daniel entered the ring completely primed and switched on. Joshua in contrast seemed to sleepwalk his way through the pre fight formalities and appeared bone dry in comparison to his opponent. From the opening bell Dubois took control of the action, cutting off the ring and offering Joshua very little breathing space, towards the end of the opener the pair engaged in an exchange which finished with AJ backing into the ropes, Dubois wasted no time in lashing over a long right hand which dropped the former champion in the first shock of the night. Joshua who had been posturing from the opening bell with a loose defence and his chin help wildly exposed. Joshua only survived the session due to the bell saving him to end the round. Dubois maintained the well designed pressure through rounds 2 and 3, where he’d score another heavy knockdown, stamping almost certain dominance over Joshua. Dubois remained surprisingly composed through to round 4 where he would again stun AJ before scoring the third knockdown of the night, leaving the former champion literally fighting for survival. Joshua’s corner appeared to revive Anthony between rounds and instill some urgency into his approach. Joshua entered the 5th with a more assertive attitude and for the first time forced Dubois to take a defensive stance. Joshua landed his first significant right hand of the night clean on Dubois chin and seemed to stagger the champion momentarily, Anthony desperately seized his chance of levelling the score and rushed across to finish his rally, Joshua landed a further right hand but in opting to throw a wild right uppercut, was countered by a lethal Dubois right hand that dropped Joshua heavily. Joshua gamely made every effort to climb off the canvas but appeared completely removed of his faculties and was counted out after a minute of the session by Marcus McDonnell. Joshua didn’t seem to fully recover from the first knockdown and displayed a whole bunch of amateurish mistakes in an uncharacteristic showing that only enhanced Dubois terrific performance. The 34 year old former champion now drops to 28-4 (25 Ko’s) whilst the 27 year old, newly established IBF champion 22-2 (21 Ko’s) elevates himself into the elite heavyweight landscape with 3 high profile scalps to stake his claim. Dubois looked every inch a heavyweight champion tonight and appeared a completely rejuvenated version of the man who folded in his previous defeats to Joyce and Usyk. Joshua and his team may need to carefully consider the next move for their man as he looked a distant memory from the man who looked destined to rule the division 24 months ago. 93000 attended this landmark event at Londons Wembley stadium which was promoted by Frank Warrens Queensbury promotions in association with Eddie Hearns Matchroom boxing.
