Combat Picks: Daniel Dubois vs. Anthony Joshua

On Saturday, Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois will meet for the IBF heavyweight title as a part of Riyadh Season: Wembley Version at Wembley Stadium, London.

The reigning Ring champion Oleksandr Usyk was compelled to vacate his IBF belt, and Dubois, who beat Filip Hrgovic for the interim title, has been subsequently upgraded.

The 2 rejuvenated British heavyweights will meet in a probably explosive contest on DAZN Pay-Per-View at 10:30 a.m. ET/ 7:30 a.m. PT. and at 3:30 p.m. within the U.Ok.

Joshua received gold on the 2012 Olympics. He turned skilled and received British and Commonwealth championships earlier than stopping American Charles Martin (KO 2) to elevate the IBF title. The vastly in style Brit defeated Wladimir Klitschko (TKO 11) and Joseph Parker (UD 12) so as to add WBA and WBO titles to his assortment, and was dominant in opposition to stable opponents Carlos Takam (TKO 10) and Alexander Povetkin (TKO 7). Joshua was shockingly stopped by Andy Ruiz Jr. (TKO 7) however regained his titles in opposition to the ill-disciplined Mexican-American in a direct rematch by one-sided unanimous choice.

After beating obligatory challenger Kubrat Pulev (KO 9), Joshua was twice crushed by Oleksandr Usyk (UD 12/ MD 12). The 34-year-old has returned with wins over Jermaine Franklin (UD 12) and Robert Helenius (KO 7) however didn’t look overly spectacular in doing so. After a collection of modifications in coach he has been capable of reinvent himself by beating Otto Wallin (RTD 5) and the way wherein he took care of Francis Ngannou (KO 2) not less than steered he’s in place.

Dubois was additionally beginner although by no means reached the extent Joshua did. He determined to show skilled on the 19 and ploughed by means of his first eight opponents earlier than going the space for the primary time in opposition to perennial survivor Kevin Johnson (UD 8). He received British and Commonwealth titles earlier than dealing with Joe Joyce for the vacant European title. With the struggle up for grabs, Dubois was stopped within the tenth Spherical with a fractured eye socket.

He rebuilt his profession and overcame actual adversity with three first spherical knockdowns to beat Kevin Lerena (TKO 3). That led to a shot at Ring champion and IBF/WBA/WBO beltholder Usyk, who picked him aside – save the broadly talked about low blow/borderline physique shot – and stopped him 9 rounds. Since then, the 27-year-old has returned and impressively crushed Jarrell Miller (TKO 10) and Filip Hrgovic (TKO 8).

Each males have rebuilt their careers after loses to Usyk. Joshua (28-3, 25 knockouts) has moved round trainers since leaving Robert McCracken, however after working with Derrick James and Robert Garcia stateside he appears to have discovered a house beneath Ben Davison. He now appears to be like and seems in place. Nevertheless, is all of it smoke and mirrors, or the results of good matchmaking in opposition to made-to-order latest opposition? Has Dubois (21-2, 20 KOs) bought over the hump the place he mentally broke down in each of his defeats? Each fighters know one another from sparring. Will that give Joshua, who apparently bossed them, the sting or result in overconfidence? Joshua is used to the large event, however this will likely be Dubois’s first time on such a giant stage. Is he prepared mentally for that?

On-line playing group William Hill lists Joshua as an 3/10 (-333) favourite, whereas Dubois is priced at 11/4 (+275). The draw is 25/1 (+2500).

Right here’s how the consultants see it:

THE RING 

ANSON WAINWRIGHT: JOSHUA TKO 9

“Each fighters suffered damaging defeats and have been bashed by critics. Nevertheless, each deserve credit score for digging down deep and resurrecting their careers. Joshua misplaced twice to Oleksandr Usyk and adjusted trainers a couple of occasions earlier than settling with Ben Davison. In the meantime, Dubois, who has additionally modified trainers a couple of occasions, regarded like he could also be an almost man till he powered by means of and beat Jarrell Miller after which upset Filip Hrgovic. This marks one other step-up for Dubois. I feel it is a very intriguing struggle between two massive punchers, and whoever lands first might nicely go on to win. Nevertheless, I additionally suppose each will likely be weary of the opposite’s energy and this can be a battle of the jabs early on. I’ve been very impressed with each males’s kinds, however I really feel Joshua is at a better stage, plus his expertise at combating in massive occasions will stand him in good stead. I count on Joshua to be within the ascendancy by the halfway level and break down Dubois in round 9 rounds for the stoppage win.”

LEE GROVES: JOSHUA KO 9

“Given the prodigious KO data and their susceptible chins, Dubois-Joshua is sort of assured to finish inside the space. Regardless of having been shaken and stopped previously, Joshua’s chin has held up nicely in latest fights, whereas Dubois’ stays an open query. And along with his performances in opposition to Helenius, Wallin and Ngannou, AJ appears to have discovered the candy spot between being respectful and harmful. Along with his peak and attain benefits, AJ additionally doesn’t must take as many dangers to be efficient. The tempo will likely be modest, however the guess is that Joshua’s benefits in measurement and expertise will end in a TKO victory.”

DIEGO MORILLA: JOSHUA TKO 8

“Joshua is long-overdue for a career-threatening upset, however this isn’t going to be that evening. Nearly as good as they each are, they’re each very susceptible and have a questionable protection. Their chins have been checked already and their punching energy is greater than sufficient to count on a stoppage from both one, so the components are there no matter who will get the correct recipe. However Joshua’s extra cautious strategy and sluggish begins will make it tough for Dubois to land with energy early on, and simply because it occurs with heavy punchers Dubois will get drained rapidly if Joshua manages to make him miss sufficient energy punches. A choice for Joshua is the sensible cash guess, however I’ll go along with a stoppage anyway.”

Anthony Joshua blasts Francis Ngannou with a proper hand en path to scoring a brutal second-round KO within the Knockout Chaos fundamental occasion in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photograph by Richard Pelham/Getty Photographs)

MARTIN MULCAHY: JOSHUA TKO 7

“I give Daniel Dubois credit score for registering stable wins after struggling his two losses, however I don’t see a path to victory in opposition to an Anthony Joshua who holds each benefit. The underside line is that Dubois lacks the pace, each of hand and foot, to hassle Joshua on protection nor the protection to stop Joshua from touchdown persistently. I want there was extra tactically or mentally to this, however I feel it comes right down to how a lot punishment Dubois can soak up not if he has an opportunity to win. My estimation is that it will likely be round eight rounds, relying on Joshua’s attacking mentality most likely earlier, with the nook of Dubois or the referee stepping in to cease the struggle.”

MICHAEL MONTERO: JOSHUA

“I really like this matchup. Each have suffered latest defeats to the professional heavyweight champion, Oleksandr Usyk, however have gone on spectacular runs since. Joshua is the taller, longer fighter with extra total expertise. I imagine he’ll make the most of these attributes and field intelligently, from the surface, early on. The onus will likely be on Dubois to wreck AJ’s sport plan. Can he? This bout will largely be fought at a technical tempo, with occasional laborious exchanges within the middle of the ring. Though I really feel Dubois could have his moments, Joshua’s expertise will see him by means of. Give me Joshua by unanimous choice, doable late TKO.”

NORM FRAUENHEIM: JOSHUA TKO 8

“It appears to be like as if Joshua’s confidence has been restored, which is unhealthy information for Daniel Dubois, whose notable energy is offset by a shaky protection. In opposition to Francis Ngannou, Joshua threw well-executed combos, one after one other and all lethal. Maybe, Dubois lands a giant shot early. However that may be his solely probability. Anticipate Joshua to weaken Dubois halfway by means of the struggle with combos, setting him up for a proper hook that may end him later.”

BOXING INSIDERS

DUKE MCKENZIE (FORMER THREE-DIVISION TITLEHOLDER/TV ANALYST): DUBOIS TKO 10

“I preferred this struggle from the second it was introduced. My opinion is that AJ is a former champion on the lookout for one other chunk of the cherry to grow to be a three-time heavyweight world champion and be a part of the elite boxers of the previous who’ve managed this feat. There’s his incentive. Will it’s sufficient to cease a younger hungry fearless Dubois who isn’t given sufficient credit score for his boxing IQ? I feel AJ will deliver out the most effective in Dubois, and we have now seen the most effective of AJ who nowadays loses his form badly as soon as he unloads, whereas Dubois holds his form quite a bit higher. The a lot improved Dubois appears to be getting higher, and I’d count on to see marginal enchancment going into this struggle. I feel with much more head and lateral motion from Dubois, his work fee will likely be an excessive amount of for AJ, who will merely not have the ability to cope. Dubois wins inside 10 rounds TKO.”

TOM GRAY (FORMER MANAGING EDITOR FOR THE RING): JOSHUA TKO 10

“When two genuine knockout artists sq. off, there’s the tendency to suppose the struggle will likely be over in a rush. Nevertheless, what usually occurs in a puncher vs. puncher matchup is that each males respect one another’s energy a lot {that a} tactical battle transpires. There’s certain to be loads of heavy hitting, however I feel we’ll see a number of technical boxing on this struggle, too. Each males have cerebral and completed trainers of their corners and technique will likely be key with a lot on the road. Since teaming up with coach Ben Davison and boxing coach/video analyst Lee Wylie, Joshua has step by step developed into a cheap, affected person and extremely efficient boxer-puncher. He broke Otto Wallin down with the jab and the straight proper hand to move and physique, forcing the Swedish lefty to give up on his stool on the finish of 5 rounds. And whereas the Francis Ngannou struggle was over in two, Joshua didn’t waste a punch. Dubois can’t be underestimated and he’s an enhancing fighter. Perpetually written off following the stoppage loss to Joe Joyce in 2020, the Londoner has proven severe combating coronary heart in wins over Jarrell Miller and Hrgovic. Nevertheless, there are holes within the IBF champ’s defenses and that spells hassle in opposition to a puncher like AJ. I imagine Joshua is the higher boxer and has extra instruments. He’s correct and versatile with wonderful counterpunching means. Over time, I see Joshua breaking Dubois down and forcing a late stoppage.”

STEVE KIM (THE 3 KNOCKDOWN RULE): JOSHUA TKO 7

“Whereas Dubois has rebounded nicely from his loss to Usyk, and he definitely has the proverbial puncher’s probability on this contest, he’s dealing with a boxer in Anthony Joshua who appears to have totally regained his confidence. It took some time to recover from his loss to Andy Ruiz, however by means of sheer exercise the previous yr or so, he’s as soon as once more punching with authority and doesn’t look gun-shy. AJ has lots of the bodily benefits, and he’s additionally the straighter puncher from the surface. My view is that he’ll field early, after which layer his assault with increasingly more proper fingers. I see him stopping Dubois in Spherical 7.”

SERGIO MORA (FORMER WORLD CHAMPION/ COMMENTATOR): JOSHUA KO 

“I actually really feel this struggle has the potential to be a heavyweight basic. Two highly effective however susceptible giants who each have had moments the place their coronary heart and toughness have been questioned. This struggle will reply questions for not less than certainly one of them. Anticipate fireworks! I’m choosing AJ’s championship expertise over Dubois momentum and youth for this one. AJ by KO, in a shootout!”

CAMILLE ESTEPHAN (PROMOTER, EYE OF THE TIGER): JOSHUA KO

“I feel this matchup has all the weather to ship a superb struggle. I don’t suppose this may go the space. Though Dubois might rating a knockout I see AJ having the ability to management a lot of the exchanges along with his jab, wonderful timing and distance. His counter proper hand will play a significant component on this struggle. I see Joshua stopping Dubois in 8 or 9 rounds.”

Daniel Dubois (proper) vs. Trevor Bryan. Photograph credit score: David Martin-Warr/Don King Productions

MARC RAMSAY (TRAINER): JOSHUA TKO 10

“Daniel Dubois has made a greater than respectable development since his loss to Joyce in 2020, and he has certainly grow to be one of many excellent heavyweights. However sadly, Joshua is superior to him in nearly all departments. I see a balanced struggle originally and because the rounds go by, a spot will widen between the 2 boxers. I feel Joshua will cease Dubois on the finish of the struggle. Joshua TKO 10.”

BRAD GOODMAN (MATCHMAKER, TOP RANK): JOSHUA 

“Very attention-grabbing struggle with each fighters coming in with a ton of confidence. Undecided what truly occurred of their sparring years in the past however I don’t take that severe. Each guys had their ups and downs all through their careers however after every man’s final loss it appeared like they’re totally different guys. I felt Joshua might’ve simply received the second Usyk struggle if he simply did a bit extra however for my part he simply didn’t imagine in himself like he does now. Ben Davison has carried out a sensational job in getting Joshua again to the place all of us thought he at all times ought to’ve been. The psychological facet is a lot extra necessary than the bodily. In Dubois I’m unsure tips on how to analyze him. He’s had three significant fights and went 1-2 with that win in opposition to Hrgovic, who I used to be by no means excessive on. Clearly, each guys are nice punchers which often means it ought to go rounds as a result of they’ll be respectful of one another’s energy. I feel if Joshua isn’t hesitant and is sensible whereas being aggressive he might cease Dubois the primary half of the struggle, however I feel he’ll be respectful as will Dubois and it’ll go both the space or Joshua stops him late. I imagine Joshua wins in all departments (larger fights, higher opposition, higher coach) and the way in which he’s regarded in his final three fights, I feel he’s the most effective heavyweight on this planet.”

JOE ROTONDA (MATCHMAKER, MAIN EVENTS): JOSHUA TKO 7

“I truly actually like this struggle, each of those guys have appeared to show their careers round and are trying a lot better than they did in recent times. Anthony Joshua appears to be like like the most effective model of himself as of late, he made his final 4 opponents seem like they actually didn’t belong within the ring with him. Daniel Dubois is on the identical trajectory, choosing up wins his final two fights in opposition to two undefeated contenders. I’m not taking something away from Dubois, I feel he’s a prime heavyweight and his identify belongs within the combine with the elite of the division, however I feel this model of Anthony Joshua is an issue for any heavyweight on this planet, and I feel he stops Dynamite Dubois midway by means of the struggle.”

MARK TIBBS (TRAINER): JOSHUA TKO

“I’m going with the extra seasoned AJ, however a giant DDD is treble hungry and has weapons of mass destruction to tug off the win. Whereas Dubois has been sharpening up on his offense, he can’t overlook his protection. I can’t watch for this. It’s not going the space.”

ROBERTO DIAZ (MATCHMAKER): JOSHUA TKO 9

“The battle of the large boys. A harmful struggle at this level for AJ. Daniel is a homerun hitter and has confirmed energy. Dubois is coming to win and is aware of {that a} win over AJ is automated stardom. AJ should be cautious at first and establishing the jab and conserving his distance. Dubois should attempt to get in on the within and attempt to land his bombs. Ultimately, the followers don’t need to miss that as a result of as everyone knows something can occur in boxing and in the case of the large boys, one punch is all it takes. Enjoyable, pleasure and bombs is what we are going to witness.”

RICH MAROTTA (COMMENTATOR): JOSHUA KO 7

“The Anthony Joshua-Daniel Dubois struggle carries a specific amount of intrigue, so I’m positively curious about seeing the way it performs out. I really feel Joshua has plateaued a bit and doubtless reached his ceiling, whereas Dubois remains to be getting higher and on the ascendancy. So the query is: Has an enhancing Dubois reached the extent of Joshua? I don’t suppose so. He has a robust punch, and Dubois has plain grit and bravado, however he doesn’t possess the identical talent set as AJ. Each are flawed fighters, so I cannot dismiss the potential of an upset. Nevertheless, I feel Anthony nonetheless has an excessive amount of total means for Dubois. AJ punches the sharper of the 2, and Daniel will get hit with too many clear photographs. I see Joshua a KO winner in 7 rounds.”

TONY SIMS (TRAINER): JOSHUA KO

“I feel Joshua will likely be a giant favourite, as he’s vastly skilled. They each have great punching energy. They each sparred one another fairly a bit when Anthony was a younger professional and Dubois was an adolescent. Anthony was at all times answerable for the spar. So he might maintain a psychological edge over Daniel from them days. Though it was a very long time in the past now. Dubois has a jab like a proper hand so may cause harm early on, if he begins touchdown within the opening rounds. Joshua additionally carries energy in each fingers, particularly the correct hand, he’s additionally very sensible defensively, the place Daniel lacks protection. It’s gonna be a short-lived struggle. I feel it goes earlier than the half method mark with Joshua incomes the KO.”

MATTHEW MACKLIN (FORMER WORLD TITLE CHALLENGER/ COMMENTATOR): JOSHUA TKO

“I feel you’ve bought to make AJ a fairly stable favourite, particularly as he appears assured and pleased in his new coaching staff. It appears to be like like he’s bought his mojo again. That mentioned, Dubois is coming into it off the again of the largest win of his profession in opposition to his finest opponent (Usyk apart). And he needed to come by means of some rocky moments to get the win, so has probably exorcised some demons within the course of. On prime of that, you may say that AJ was imagined to do what he did to Ngannou and Otto Wallin. I don’t suppose it’s a foregone conclusion by any stretch of the creativeness. I feel Dubois is harmful and poses an actual risk. However I’m going with AJ inside 8 rounds.”

RUDY HERNANDEZ: (TRAINER): JOSHUA TKO 9

“Joshua vs. Dubois will likely be a really entertaining struggle. Their types are made for one another. It should begin considerably sluggish however by the third spherical they may know their vary, and fireworks will start. I imagine that Joshua’s expertise and his exercise would be the distinction, in a slugfest. Anthony Joshua will win by TKO inside 9 rounds. It received’t be straightforward, however Joshua is a disciplined fighter and that would be the distinction. Dubois will likely be aggressive however this will likely be one other loss in opposition to a greater fighter.”

Closing Tally: Joshua 19-1

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Lennox Lewis shares his tackle the Anthony Joshua-Daniel Dubois heavyweight conflict

Questions and/or feedback may be despatched to Anson at [email protected].

Comply with @AnsonWainwright