Daniel Dubois has confidently announced his plan to knock out Anthony Joshua in their upcoming IBF heavyweight title fight, set to take place at Wembley Stadium on September 21.
The 26-year-old British boxer, who refers to himself as “a good destroyer,” is determined to hand Joshua only the second knockout loss of his professional career.
“My goal is to knock him out. That’s the strategy, that’s the mindset, and that’s my intention going into this fight,” Dubois told Sky Sports. “I’m dedicating my life to destroying him and being a good conqueror. Don’t hesitate. Go in there and smash him.”
This highly anticipated all-British showdown is expected to draw 96,000 fans, creating an electrifying atmosphere at Wembley Stadium. While the venue is familiar territory for Joshua, it will be Dubois’ first time fighting at England’s national stadium, adding extra pressure for him and his team, led by trainer Don Charles.
Joshua, now 33, is riding the momentum of four consecutive victories, including a knockout win over former UFC champion Francis Ngannou.
He recently dismissed claims that Dubois nearly knocked him out during a 2016 sparring session, clarifying, “He caught me with a good shot, but I stayed on my feet. I’m not sure where this idea of someone knocking me out came from.”
Despite Dubois’ confidence, many within the boxing world are predicting a Joshua victory. European champion Tyler Denny believes Joshua’s power gives him the edge, and former world champions Liam Smith and Josh Warrington also favor the more experienced fighter.
However, Chinese heavyweight Zhilei Zhang sees Dubois as a strong contender for an upset, saying, “I personally back Daniel Dubois to pull this off because he’s on a rise. He’s young, hungry, and full of fire.”
With the September 21 bout fast approaching, both fighters are in peak condition and determined to win. Dubois, fresh off back-to-back stoppage victories over Jarrell Miller and Filip Hrgovic, is focused on dethroning Joshua to claim the heavyweight crown.
The match is shaping up to be one of the year’s most anticipated heavyweight clashes, with Dubois resolute in his pursuit of victory. “No retreat, no surrender. I’ll go out there and perform like a warrior,” he declared.
