In a shocking show of energy and dominance, Daniel Dubois retained his IBF world heavyweight title, pulling down Anthony Joshua a number of instances earlier than sealing victory within the fifth spherical at Wembley Stadium.
The 27-year-old Dubois outclassed the previous two-time unified heavyweight champion from the outset, successful all 5 rounds decisively. Joshua, 34, was dropped in 4 of the 5 rounds as Dubois relentlessly piled on the strain.
In a dramatic fifth spherical, Joshua momentarily appeared to achieve some momentum after touchdown two strong proper palms. Nevertheless, simply as he appeared to capitalize, Dubois responded with successive proper palms of his personal, sending Joshua to the canvas as soon as once more. This time, the previous champion was unable to beat the referee’s depend, sealing Dubois’ victory.
“Are you not entertained?” Dubois roared to the roaring crowd at Wembley. “I’m a gladiator. I’m a warrior to the bitter finish. I wish to get to the highest degree of this sport and attain my potential.”
The emphatic win strengthens Dubois’ standing within the heavyweight division, as he continues to carve a path towards dealing with the division’s greatest names.
Dubois was elevated to world champion standing earlier within the yr after Oleksandr Usyk vacated the IBF belt to concentrate on his rematch with Tyson Fury. Usyk had beforehand unified the heavyweight titles, changing into boxing’s first four-belt undisputed heavyweight champion in Might 2024.
With this win, Dubois positions himself as a formidable contender for future heavyweight title unifications, whereas Joshua faces an unsure future after struggling one other crushing defeat.
With the gang of over 90,000 followers witnessing the struggle at Wembley, Dubois firmly cemented his place among the many prime heavyweights on the planet.