Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois are getting ready to fight for the IBF World Heavyweight Title on September 21, 2023. Both fighters have bounced back from losses to Oleksandr Usyk and are looking to make their mark in the division.
'AJ' Joshua has been on a good run lately. He's won his last four fights against Jermaine Franklin, Robert Helenius, Otto Wallin, and Francis Ngannou. These wins have helped him recover from his tough battles with Usyk.
Dubois, on the other hand, became the IBF Champion after Usyk gave up the title. He's proven himself by beating Jarrell Miller and Filip Hrgovic, showing he's got what it takes to compete at the top level.
Usyk, who beat both Joshua and Dubois, has shared his thoughts on the upcoming fight. In an interview with Mail Sport Boxing, the Ukrainian champion picked Joshua to win. Usyk said Joshua has improved a lot mentally since their fights. He also believes there's a big difference between Joshua and Dubois, comparing it to the gap between an Olympic Champion and a UK Champion.
"Joshua has improved a lot psychologically. He's at a different level, like an Olympic Champion compared to a UK Champion."
Usyk knows what he's talking about. He's had success in both the cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions. After winning all four belts at cruiserweight, he moved up and beat Joshua for the unified heavyweight titles. He then stopped Dubois, marking his first knockout in the heavyweight ranks. Recently, Usyk became the undisputed champion by defeating Tyson Fury.
This fight means a lot for both Joshua and Dubois. For Dubois, it's a chance to shake up the heavyweight scene and prove he belongs at the top. Joshua wants to show he's still one of the best in Britain and the world.
The winner of this fight could be in for an even bigger opportunity. Usyk and Fury are set for a rematch in December. The victor of Joshua-Dubois might get a shot at the winner of that fight in early 2025. If that happens, we could see a second undisputed heavyweight champion crowned in just a year.
With so much at stake, this fight between Joshua and Dubois is shaping up to be a must-watch event for boxing fans around the world.
