Anthony Joshua has been backed to roll back the years and defeat Daniel Dubois in devastating fashion – with one former world champion arguing that the heavyweight boxing star has a ‘demon look in his eye’ ahead of the world championship showdown.
In front of a record 96,000 fans at Wembley Stadium on September 21, Joshua bids to become a world title holder for the third time in his illustrious career when he takes on fellow Brit and newly-elevated IBF champion Dubois. After suffering back-to-back defeats to unified heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk, a reinvigorated Joshua has knocked up four consecutive victories, three of which came inside the distance.
The 2012 Olympic gold medallist sparked out former UFC star Francis Ngannou in just two rounds in his latest contest in Saudi Arabia back in March and will now hope to replicate that display against fellow heavy-hitter Dubois – who also comes into the bout in fine fettle – in 15 days time. Joshua’s experience of 12 world title fights has made him a big favourite with bookmakers for the clash, and two-time featherweight world champion Josh Warrington believes the 34-year-old will come out on top.
Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “Both are big punchers. I’m leaning towards AJ. The reason being, he seems to have an air of confidence. He’s still got that demon look in his eye and he’s been here before.”
Ex light-middleweight world champion Liam Smith also gives Joshua the edge, adding: “Confidence-wise and results-wise they are on great form. But I think it’s a style that’s probably suited for Joshua more than Dubois.”
However, one of Dubois’ former opponents Kevin Lerena has warned Joshua to write the similarly high-flying Dubois off at his peril. “Yes, he lost to Usyk – but look what Dubois has done to [Jarrell] Miller and [Filip] Hrgovic [in his last two fights]”, he told the Toe2Toe podcast.
“”He’s very strong. He’s got a lot of power behind his punches. It’s no secret. Most guys that have sparred or fought him say the same thing, echo the same sentiments.
“I think that’s his biggest attribute. He’s a strong guy, he’s a strong puncher. But the man he’s in there with is just as strong. AJ’s phenomenal.”
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