Boxers tip Joshua to beat Dubois in IBF fight

Several boxers have backed Anthony Joshua to beat Daniel Dubois in their upcoming IBF heavyweight title bout at Wembley Stadium on September 21.

Joshua, a former unified heavyweight champion, is regaining form after back-to-back losses to Oleksandr Usyk.

Since then, the British-Nigerian has secured three consecutive stoppage victories over Robert Helenius, Otto Wallin, and Francis Ngannou. The 33-year-old will be looking to extend that streak when he faces Dubois live on Sky Sports Box Office.

Many in the boxing community believe Joshua will reclaim the title, including European champion Tyler Denny, who sees Joshua’s power as a decisive factor.

“If I had to pick, I’d pick Joshua. They’ve both got the destructive power to knock each other out, which is why it’s so fascinating. But I think AJ has the edge,” Denny said.

Former world champions Liam Smith and Josh Warrington echoed this sentiment. Smith said Joshua’s style is better suited for this matchup, while Warrington highlighted Joshua’s renewed confidence.

“Confidence-wise and results-wise, they are in great form. But I think it’s a style that’s probably suited for Joshua more than Dubois,” Smith said.

“Both are big punchers. I’m leaning towards AJ because he’s got that demon look in his eye again, and he’s been here before,” Warrington added.

Frazer Clarke says losses to Joe Joyce and Oleksandr Usyk have made Daniel Dubois a more mature fighter and a dangerous threat to Anthony Joshua.

South African heavyweight Kevin Lerena, who faced Dubois in 2022, believes the 25-year-old will be a formidable challenge for Joshua.

“Dubois is riding the crest of a wave. He’s got a lot of power, and confidence is sky high. But AJ is phenomenal, and that makes this a great fight,” Lerena said.

Lerena believes the fight is difficult to predict, with both boxers carrying knockout power. “It’s a tough fight for both guys,” he added.

Joshua and Dubois are both hungry for victory, making their September 21 showdown one of the most anticipated heavyweight clashes of the year.