Joshua's hopes for a mega-fight against Tyson Fury took a serious hit. Dubois put Joshua down in the first round, setting the tone for the fight. Though Joshua had his best moments in the fifth round, Dubois delivered the final blow in the same round, ending the contest.
Before the fight, many thought a Joshua win would lead to a bout with the winner of the Usyk vs Fury rematch. The ideal scenario for British boxing fans was victories for both Joshua and Fury, setting up a massive all-British clash.
Joshua looked off his game from the start. He struggled to find his rhythm and spent most of the fight trying to survive Dubois' onslaught.
Eddie Hearn, Joshua's promoter, mentioned that his fighter has the option to activate a rematch clause against Dubois. It's unclear if Joshua will choose this path after such a decisive loss.
Meanwhile, Tyson Fury has his sights set on regaining his heavyweight titles. In an interview with Fight Hub TV, Fury laid out his plans:
"I've got to fight my man, the f***ing rabbit, and I'm gonna take all my belts back once again. I guarantee you."
Fury didn't stop there. He also has plans for the newly crowned IBF champion:
"When I fight Usyk in December and beat him I'll regain all the belts I should never have lost, and then I'll fight Dubois and take the [IBF] off him as well. That's my plan."
Fury's rematch with Usyk is set for December 21. Usyk won their first encounter in May by split decision.
Dubois, now one of the most dangerous heavyweights in the division, called out Usyk after his victory. He's keen on a rematch after losing to the Ukrainian in their previous meeting.
This upset victory has shaken up the heavyweight division. It remains to be seen how the top contenders will navigate these new waters.