Daniel Dubois Stuns Anthony Joshua to Claim IBF Heavyweight Title

In a sensational turn of events, Daniel Dubois defeated Olympic gold medallist Anthony Joshua in the fifth round of their heavyweight contest, securing the IBF heavyweight title. This unexpected victory not only granted Dubois the prestigious title but also earned him recognition as one of the top contenders in the heavyweight division.

At 34, Joshua entered the fight as the favorite, hoping to reclaim his world champion status for the third time. However, his 27-year-old opponent defied expectations, marking his rise to the forefront of the division and making headlines in the boxing world.

Who is Daniel Dubois?

Born in Greenwich, London, Dubois was introduced to boxing at a young age by his father. He was homeschooled and spent much of his early life training in boxing clubs across South London. Dubois, known in the ring as “Dynamite,” turned professional at the age of 19. Standing at 6 feet 4 inches (193 cm), he has now won 22 of his 24 professional fights.

Dubois Reacts to Victory

What’s Next for Dubois?

Soon after the fight, WBO interim heavyweight champion Joseph Parker challenged Dubois to a bout. Parker, who has won his last four fights, suggested that the winner could go on to face the victor of the Usyk vs Fury match for the undisputed title. However, no official deal has been confirmed.

Earlier this year, Oleksandr Usyk vacated the IBF title that Dubois claimed after just five weeks of holding it. Usyk, who previously defeated Tyson Fury, is set to have a rematch with Fury for the WBA, WBO, and WBC titles. As for Dubois, he has hinted that his next fight might be influenced by the financial side, whether it’s a rematch with Joshua or a showdown with Usyk.

Dubois on Another Fight with Joshua

Dubois has shown interest in a rematch with Joshua, stating, “If that’s the next fight, I’m all in. I’ll come back even stronger and better. I’ve learned what I need to work on, and I’m determined to prove myself once more.” He added, “It was a thrilling fight, like something out of Rocky, but next time I’ll be sharper and more precise.”

Usyk vs Fury Rematch

The highly anticipated Usyk-Fury rematch is scheduled for December 21. The outcome of this fight will greatly influence Dubois’s next steps. Dubois’s promoter, Frank Warren, mentioned that Dubois might have another fight before facing either Fury or Usyk, stating, “We’ll evaluate everything after the Usyk and Fury fight.”

Dubois’s Path to Becoming Undisputed Champion

To become the undisputed heavyweight champion, Dubois could wait for the Usyk-Fury rematch. However, this might push his next fight to mid-2025. A fight with Parker before then could be a smart move, though it comes with the risk of losing his shot at unifying the belts.

The Last Time Dubois Fought Usyk

Dubois previously fought Usyk in Poland, where he lost in the ninth round. The fight was controversial, as Dubois landed a punch in the fifth round that was ruled as a low blow, giving Usyk time to recover. Dubois still insists that the punch was legal and that he was wronged. “I want a rematch with Usyk to correct the injustice,” he said.

What’s Next for Anthony Joshua?

Joshua holds the right to demand a rematch with Dubois, though after this latest defeat, he might opt for a different opponent to rebuild his career. His promoter, Eddie Hearn, suggested that a rematch is likely. Joshua, who has also been defeated twice by Usyk, remains resolute: “I took a risk and didn’t win, but I’ll keep pushing forward.”

Plans for a Joshua-Fury fight in Saudi Arabia seem to be on hold for now, with no clear timeline in place.

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