Heavyweight Conflict for IBF Title Looms Massive
Anthony Joshua has dismissed lingering hypothesis surrounding his sparring periods with Daniel Dubois, emphasizing his readiness for his or her upcoming September 21 showdown at Wembley, set to broadcast dwell on Sky Sports activities Field Workplace. The bout will decide the brand new IBF world heavyweight champion following Oleksandr Usyk’s vacating of the title attributable to his Tyson Fury rematch obligations.
Addressing rumours of being floored by Dubois throughout their sparring days with the Nice Britain squad, Joshua clarified to Sky Sports activities, “Daniel and I educated collectively again within the GB squad days. We had some strong sparring periods. Sure, he caught me with a great shot as soon as, however let’s be clear—I remained standing.”
Anthony Joshua’s No Room for Doubt
Dismissing any notion of vulnerability, Joshua asserted, “There’s been speak of lights out and whatnot, however that is simply noise. I am right here to point out my ability and power come September 21. Whether or not it is in sparring or the precise combat, I will not let anybody dominate or knock me out. It is not occurring.”
Daniel Dubois’ Perspective and Focus
In response, Daniel Dubois dismissed the previous sparring speak, stating, “I am not serious about revisiting historical past. That was seven years in the past, and admittedly, it isn’t related. I am targeted on the combat forward. Let’s maintain the deal with what issues—the upcoming showdown.”
Reflecting on his journey and the upcoming problem, Dubois added, “I’ve educated onerous to be right here, alongside these prime opponents. As for sparring, individuals have confronted the results of underestimating me. I am right here to show myself with none superstitions or distractions.”
As anticipation builds for this epic conflict between two British heavyweights, all eyes are on Wembley for what guarantees to be an exhilarating encounter on the planet of boxing.
Dubois: I must turn into a king-slayer | AJ: We’re all a pack of lions
Dubois expressed his ambitions throughout Wednesday’s press convention, stating, “My intention is to attain greatness by going through and defeating one of the best. AJ has held the throne for a substantial time, and it is clear that on combat evening, I intention to dethrone him and turn into a king-slayer. That is my sole focus and mission proper now.
I really feel I am evolving with each combat, each as a fighter and as an individual, rising from darkness into the sunshine and shaping myself as a person of the longer term. My total expertise and athleticism have improved considerably, and I am absolutely ready and anticipating this problem. I am able to let my fists converse for themselves. I am utterly targeted, and ready to enter the coaching camp and practice intensely. Let’s do that.”
Joshua, additionally talking on the press convention, emphasised, “Dubois is the subsequent opponent in line, and I have been excited about this combat for a while. He’ll be on my thoughts all through the subsequent 12 weeks till I elevate my hand in victory. I perceive the sport nicely—we’re all within the wild, a pack of lions and hunters.
I want to remain vigilant and never solely deal with Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder. My fast aim is to efficiently navigate via coaching camp and ship on combat evening. The accolades will observe in the end.”
Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois “needed to be pulled aside” hours earlier than their press convention for a world title combat at Wembley on September 21
Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois had a dramatic encounter simply hours earlier than their press convention forward of their world title bout at Wembley on September 21, set to be broadcast dwell on Sky Sports activities Field Workplace. In line with Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, tensions ran excessive throughout a face-to-face interview, ensuing within the two fighters needing to be separated.
With Oleksandr Usyk’s announcement that he vacated the IBF belt, Joshua now has the chance to reclaim one of many world titles he beforehand held if he can defeat Dubois. Dubois, who has been elevated from IBF interim title holder to IBF champion, is about to face Joshua in an all-British heavyweight conflict for the IBF world heavyweight title at Wembley.
Joshua has made a robust comeback within the heavyweight division after struggling consecutive losses to Usyk, who not too long ago grew to become the undisputed world champion by defeating Tyson Fury final month. Equally, Dubois has efficiently rebuilt his profession following a setback in opposition to Usyk, beforehand holding a model of the WBA title.
Reflecting on the extreme pre-conference encounter, Hearn remarked, “It was fairly heated. Three hours later, they took their seats and doubtless selected their phrases rigorously, but it surely guarantees to be an unimaginable combat.”
He continued, “My focus is on trying past Dubois. AJ is singularly targeted; he isn’t considering of anybody else. I’ve at all times believed he’ll obtain undisputed standing, and I’m supremely assured he can defeat any heavyweight on the planet.”