By Summary
- Dubois knocks out Joshua in the fifth round.
- Joshua’s dream of becoming a three-time champion lies in ruins.
LONDON, UK (AfrikTimes) – Britain’s Daniel Dubois destroyed Anthony Joshua’s dream of becoming a three-time heavyweight world champion with a fifth-round knockout to retain his IBF title at a packed Wembley Stadium on Saturday.
Dubois sent Joshua to the canvas in the opening round with a powerful right hand, forcing the referee to deliver a standing eight count. The 27-year-old quickly defied pre-fight predictions, dominating his opponent with relentless aggression. Joshua, 34, endured another onslaught in round two but managed to survive the barrage, only to face further punishment in round three.
Boxing – Daniel Dubois v Anthony Joshua – IBF World Heavyweight Title – Wembley Stadium, London, Britain – September 21, 2024 Daniel Dubois celebrates with his team after winning his fight against Anthony Joshua Action Images via Reuters.
With Dubois continuing to land powerful right-hand punches, Joshua was literally against the ropes, barely saved by the bell. By the end of the fourth round, Joshua could hardly stand after being knocked down again with two minutes left in the round. In the fifth, Dubois delivered the final blow, landing a clean shot to Joshua’s chin that sent the former IBF, WBA, and IBO champion crashing down, unable to beat the count.
“I’ve only got a few words to say: Are you not entertained?” Dubois declared after the biggest win of his career, and his first at Wembley, in a 24-fight career that includes just two defeats.
Daniel Dubois retained his IBF heavyweight championship and sent a message to the whole division with a fifth-round knockout win over Anthony Joshua at Wembley Stadium in London, England.
“I’m a gladiator, a warrior to the bitter end. My goal is to reach the highest level in this sport and fulfill my full potential.”
“I’ve been on a rollercoaster journey. This is my moment, my redemption story, and I won’t stop until I achieve my full potential.”
Record-Breaking Crowd
Organizers said a British post-World War Two record of 96,000 spectators attended the Saudi-funded fight at London’s Wembley Stadium. Among those in the crowd were Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher, who performed three songs in celebration of his 52nd birthday ahead of a planned reunion next year, and Ukraine’s WBC, WBA, and WBO champion, Oleksandr Usyk.
Usyk has beaten both Joshua and Dubois already and will fight Britain’s Tyson Fury, who was also present, in a rematch in Saudi Arabia this December. Joshua might have hoped to have a crack at the winner of that fight but instead faces an uncertain future with Dubois sending a seismic ripple through the familiar heavyweight landscape.
Britain’s Anthony Joshua is knocked to the ground by Britain’s Daniel Dubois during their heavyweight boxing match for the IBF world title at Wembley Stadium in London on September 21, 2024.
Dubois said he hoped for another shot at Usyk, who beat him in a fight overshadowed by a low blow controversy in Wroclaw, Poland, last year. Usyk previously held the IBF belt but vacated it for the Fury rematch, with Dubois the interim holder and upgraded to world champion in June.
“Credit to him and his team. We rolled the dice for success, but we came up short,” Joshua said after his 13th world heavyweight title fight, which left him with a record of four defeats from 32 bouts.
Boxing – Daniel Dubois v Anthony Joshua – IBF World Heavyweight Title – Wembley Stadium, London, Britain – September 21, 2024 Anthony Joshua in action against Daniel Dubois Action Images via Reuters.
“We keep rolling the dice. I had a sharp, fast opponent, and made a lot of mistakes, but that’s the game,” Joshua admitted.
Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, said he expected to exercise a rematch clause.
“It’s a dangerous fight because Dubois is growing in confidence all the time, but Joshua will believe he can beat him,” Hearn said.
Boxing – Daniel Dubois v Anthony Joshua – IBF World Heavyweight Title – Wembley Stadium, London, Britain – September 21, 2024 Daniel Dubois in action during his fight against Anthony Joshua Action Images via Reuters.
