Joshua vs. Dubois: Wembley Showdown for IBF Heavyweight Title Set to Draw 90,000 Fans
September 18, 2024Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois are set to clash at Wembley Stadium on September 21, drawing over 90,000 fans for a highly anticipated bout.
This fight will be for the vacant IBF heavyweight title, previously held by Oleksandr Usyk, who vacated it to focus on a rematch against Tyson Fury.
Dubois aims to legitimize his championship by defeating Joshua, motivated by a desire to earn respect he feels he lacks due to the controversial circumstances of his title win.
At 34, Joshua recognizes the stakes are high; he cannot afford another defeat, yet he remains calm and determined.
A victory for Joshua would enhance his legacy as one of the greatest heavyweights, potentially marking him as the best of his era.
Conversely, a win for Dubois would signify a major shift in the heavyweight division, positioning him for lucrative future bouts against top contenders like Usyk or Fury.
Dubois, 27, brings a record of 21 wins and 2 losses, showcasing his punching power with 20 knockouts, while Joshua, with 28 wins and 3 losses, holds a height advantage.
Joshua has recently adopted a more aggressive fighting style, achieving notable stoppage victories against Otto Wallin and Francis Ngannou.
Experts largely predict Joshua to win, with some suggesting he could achieve a knockout within three rounds.
The event is expected to sell out the 96,000-seat stadium and features a strong undercard, including fights with notable boxers like Mark Chamberlain and Liam Smith.
The fight is part of a broader trend, as Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund continues to finance major heavyweight boxing events, despite concerns over the country's human rights record.
Turki Alalshikh has emerged as a key figure in boxing, facilitating discussions among promoters to improve ranking systems and create significant matchups.
Summary based on 8 sources
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Sources
The Guardian • Sep 17, 2024
Anthony Joshua willing to risk it all in world title battle with Daniel DuboisThe Guardian • Sep 18, 2024
Anthony Joshua, Daniel Dubois and boxing’s broken mandatory challenger systemForbes • Sep 19, 2024
Anthony Joshua Vs. Daniel Dubois: Date, Time, And How To Watch For $20