September 13, 2024 – Ahead of the highly anticipated IBF heavyweight world title showdown between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois, promoter Frank Warren has suggested that Dubois could potentially end Joshua’s career.
The two British heavyweights are set to headline at Wembley Stadium on September 21, in a fight that promises to be a hard-hitting battle, with both men renowned for their knockout power.
Warren, who promotes Dubois, expressed his belief that a crushing loss could spell the end of Joshua’s career in boxing. Speaking to Sky Sports News, Warren said, “It’s how you lose a fight. If he lost the fight convincingly, it would be hard for him to come back if he wanted to carry on.”
The promoter further elaborated that a close or debatable decision loss could still leave Joshua with options, but a clear defeat would put significant pressure on his future in the sport. “Anything can happen in boxing,” Warren added, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of the sport.
Anthony Joshua, a former two-time world heavyweight champion, enters the fight as the bookmaker’s favourite and the fans’ choice, particularly in the UK, where he has a massive following.
However, Warren pointed out that the pressure is squarely on Joshua’s shoulders. “He’s the bookmaker’s favourite, the fans’ favourite, and obviously the better-known boxer of the two, certainly in the UK. Everything is on him,” Warren said, emphasizing the expectations surrounding the more experienced fighter.
Despite Joshua’s high profile and accolades, Warren believes Dubois has what it takes to come out on top.
He argued that Dubois’ recent opponents have been of higher quality compared to Joshua’s, giving Dubois an edge in his preparation. “AJ’s got more of the experience, but there comes a time in boxing when it’s a young man’s game,” Warren remarked. “I believe this young man [Dubois] is on his game at the moment and I do think he’ll come away as the victor.”
The clash between Joshua and Dubois is expected to be a battle of punch power, with both fighters boasting knockout capabilities.
Warren highlighted that the outcome of the fight will likely depend on who handles the pressure better and who can land the more effective punches. “Out of these two guys, it’s hard to differentiate the punch-power. They are both big punchers, both have good jabs,” Warren noted, stressing that both fighters are evenly matched in terms of power.
However, Warren believes the decisive factor will be which fighter can take the punishment and remain on the front foot. “It’s going to be who has the better chin. Because one thing is for sure, when they are in the ring, big punchers let their right hand go and they become vulnerable and expose their chin for the counter,” he explained.
According to Warren, the fighter who can withstand the counter punches and push their opponent back will be the one to emerge victorious. “The guy who is going to win this is the guy who is going to keep pushing his opponent back, and I believe Daniel will be the guy to do that.”
As the fight approaches, anticipation continues to build for what could be a career-defining night for both men. For Joshua, a win would solidify his return to the top of the heavyweight division, while a loss could leave his future in question.
For Dubois, a victory would represent the biggest moment of his career and catapult him into the upper echelon of the heavyweight ranks. With both fighters eager to prove themselves, the stage is set for a dramatic showdown at Wembley.
odri