By Daniel Dubois, the reigning IBF heavyweight world champion, is preparing for the biggest fight of his career against Anthony Joshua at Wembley Stadium on September 21. Despite holding the IBF title, Dubois acknowledges that he has yet to win a full world title fight, a gap he intends to fill by defeating the former unified champion, Joshua.
Dubois’ journey to this moment has been marked by both setbacks and triumphs. After suffering a defeat to Oleksandr Usyk last year, Dubois rebounded with victories over Jarrell Miller and Filip Hrgovic, which earned him the IBF Interim title. With Usyk vacating the IBF title to pursue other fights, Dubois was elevated to full world champion status. However, he believes that a win over Joshua is crucial to legitimizing his championship reign.
“I’m the underdog because I have to prove myself,” Dubois told Sky Sports News. “Beating him and winning this next fight will set me as a legit champion. This is everything. The big opportunity.”
Dubois isn’t just looking for a victory—he’s seeking a knockout. “Win by any means necessary, but a stoppage is definitely what I’m after,” he said. “A good stoppage and a statement victory, that’s what I’m all about.”
His trainer, Don Charles, shares Dubois’ confidence, noting that his fighter is in peak condition and ready for the challenge. “He’s looking good and feeling good,” Charles said. “Tweaking every shot that he has in his arsenal. I’ve got a very happy camp and a very happy fighter.”
Promoter Frank Warren also backs Dubois, pointing to his recent record as evidence of his readiness to take on Joshua. Despite the disappointment of the loss to Usyk, Dubois’ team believes that the journey has prepared him for this defining moment.
As Dubois and Joshua prepare to face off, the stakes couldn’t be higher. For Dubois, a victory would not only secure his place among the heavyweight elite but also silence any remaining doubts about his legitimacy as a world champion.
