Daniel Dubois Defies Odds, Destroys Anthony Joshua in Five ...
Daniel Dubois knocked out Anthony Joshua in the fifth round to retain the IBF heavyweight title on Saturday night at Wembley Stadium. The victory cements Dubois’ position as a serious contender in the heavyweight division and leaves Joshua’s future in the sport in question.
Before a sold-out crowd of over 96,000 fans, the 27-year-old Dubois entered the ring as the underdog but quickly took control of the fight. From the opening bell, it became clear that Joshua, the former two-time world heavyweight champion, was in for a tough night.
Dubois, fighting with a calm and focused demeanour, knocked Joshua down late in the first round with a powerful overhand right that connected cleanly on the jaw. This was a clear warning of the power Dubois possessed, and it set the tone for the rest of the fight. Joshua managed to survive the round but was visibly shaken.
Domination Through the Rounds
The second and third rounds saw Dubois maintaining his aggressive approach. In the second round, he piled more pressure on Joshua, attacking relentlessly with quick combinations. Although Joshua showed signs of stabilizing in the second round, it was short-lived. Dubois sent Joshua down again in the third with a left hook, forcing referee Marcus McDonnell to intervene, although Joshua managed to beat the count.
As the fight progressed, it was clear that Dubois’ strategy was paying off. Joshua, known for his athleticism and power, struggled to find his rhythm, with Dubois consistently out-landing him in both total punches and significant strikes. According to CompuBox, Dubois landed 91 of 230 punches (46%), while Joshua managed only 60 of 139 punches (48%), with Dubois connecting on more high-impact blows.
The fourth round saw Joshua go down once again after an exchange near the ropes, though it was not immediately clear if it was from a punch or a slip. Nonetheless, Joshua appeared drained, and Dubois seized the opportunity, keeping up the pressure and sensing that his rival was fading.
The Knockout Punch
The end came decisively in the fifth round when Dubois landed a perfectly timed counter right hook to Joshua’s chin, sending him sprawling to the canvas. This time, Joshua struggled to recover. Though he made a valiant attempt to get back to his feet, the referee called off the fight at 59 seconds of the round, marking a stunning victory for Dubois.
For Joshua, this loss represents one of the lowest points in his career, a far cry from his glory days at Wembley, where he once conquered the legendary Wladimir Klitschko in 2017. Saturday night’s defeat marked Joshua’s fourth career loss, raising questions about his future in the sport, especially as he seeks to reclaim his once-dominant position in the heavyweight division.
Dubois’ Redemption
For Dubois, this victory is particularly significant. Dubbed a rising star in the early years of his career, his journey to the top had been hindered by setbacks, including a loss to Joe Joyce in 2020 and a controversial stoppage against Oleksandr Usyk in 2023. However, Saturday night’s performance has catapulted him into the spotlight once again, silencing critics who once doubted his potential.
“I’m a gladiator, I’m a warrior to the bitter end,” Dubois exclaimed in his post-fight interview. “This is my time, this is my redemption story, and I’m not going to stop until I reach my full potential.”
Dubois’ victory also opens the door to potential future matchups against heavyweight giants like Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, both of whom were present at ringside for the fight. His win has undoubtedly added a new layer of intrigue to the heavyweight division, which is brimming with talent and potential blockbuster bouts.
What’s Next for Anthony Joshua?
In the aftermath of the fight, Joshua remained composed, acknowledging his mistakes while also giving credit to Dubois. “Credit to him and his team. We rolled the dice for success and came up short. You know I’m pissed, but that’s the game,” Joshua remarked after the fight.
Though clearly disappointed, Joshua did not shy away from the prospect of a rematch. According to reports, there is a rematch clause in the fight contract, which could see Joshua seeking redemption against Dubois later this year. However, whether Joshua will exercise that option remains uncertain as he weighs his future in the sport.
Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, remained optimistic, stating, “AJ kept fighting, he never gave up and never stopped trying. Massive congratulations to Daniel Dubois. I’m sure AJ will consider the rematch, but right now, we give Dubois his moment.”
Daniel Dubois Defies Odds, Destroys Anthony Joshua in Five Rounds at Wembley StadiumImpact on the Heavyweight Division
Dubois’ emphatic win sends a strong message to the rest of the heavyweight division. At just 27 years old, Dubois has now established himself as a legitimate world champion with knockout power that few can match. While the heavyweight landscape remains dominated by the likes of Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, Dubois has inserted himself into the conversation as a dangerous contender who could challenge for the undisputed title in the near future.
Meanwhile, Joshua, now with four career losses, must rebuild once again. While he remains a marquee name in the division, his path to regaining a world title has become significantly more complicated. With his third trainer in recent years, Ben Davison, Joshua must now make critical decisions about his future strategy and whether he still has what it takes to compete at the elite level.
A Night to Remember at Wembley
The atmosphere at Wembley was electric, with some of the biggest names in sports and entertainment in attendance, including Tyson Fury, Conor McGregor, and Liam Gallagher, who performed before the main event. The fight lived up to its billing, delivering high drama and a shocking outcome that few could have predicted.
For Dubois, the night marked a defining moment in his career, and for Joshua, it was a humbling defeat in a stadium where he once stood as the undisputed king of the heavyweight division.
As the dust settles on this incredible bout, one thing is clear: Daniel Dubois is here to stay, and the heavyweight division has a new rising star.
Daniel Dubois Defies Odds, Destroys Anthony Joshua in Five Rounds at Wembley StadiumCentral News Weekly Edition 073 | Download the latest weekly edition| Top Story: “R180,000 in Prizes at Edgar Legoale Festive Soccer Tournament 2024”
Download Here:
Central News Weekly Edition 073 | Download the latest weekly edition| Top Story: “R180,000 in Prizes at Edgar Legoale Festive Soccer Tournament 2024”
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
________________________
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : [email protected]
For Business Related:[email protected]
Newsroom:Send your Stories / Media Statements To: [email protected]
General Info:[email protected]
Office Administrator:[email protected]
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube
#centralnewsza #freestate
