Mohammed Bahaa
Anticipation is building in the heavyweight boxing world as Daniel Dubois defends his IBF title against Anthony Joshua on September 21. Boxing trainer Adam Booth believes Dubois' recent fights have set the stage for an exciting showdown, especially after a tough fight against Filip Hrgovic in June, in which Dubois was crowned interim IBF champion and was subsequently promoted to full champion when Oleksandr Usyk vacated the title.
Booth offered his own perspective, noting that the fight against Hrgovic could be a key moment for Dubois: “The fact that Hrgovic landed so many right hands could be a wake-up call for Daniel that he needs to make some adjustments,” Booth said. “He'd be a fool not to realise that he needs to take Anthony Joshua's right hand away from him.” He stressed the need for a strategic defence against Joshua's powerful right hand and suggested that Dubois' recent experience would sharpen his skills for the upcoming bout.
Dubois has shown resilience and growth in his past two fights, and Booth sees him as a fighter “on the rise,” a view that contrasts with the longer but potentially stagnant career of Anthony Joshua, who is adapting to a new coach and training methods.
Meanwhile, Dubois' desire for revenge extends beyond his upcoming bouts. Promoter Frank Warren has revealed that Dubois is eager to rematch Joe Joyce, the only fighter other than Usyk to have beaten Dubois. Joyce's 2020 win left Dubois with a fractured eye socket, and Dubois is determined to avenge that loss.
“Joe would love to fight again and Daniel would love to overturn his loss. It's a no-brainer,” Warren said. [Dubois has] He has said before that he wants to fight. We both want it. We both want to do it and, best of all, it will be well-paid.”
As he prepares for his momentous bout with Joshua, Dubois has his eyes not only on defending his title, but also on proving himself and setting himself up for a future rematch with Joyce. The September 21 bout will mark a crucial chapter in Dubois' career, testing his resolve to face and defeat some of the best in the heavyweight division.
