Anthony Joshua is fully aware that his career is on the line this Saturday night as the former heavyweight champion faces Daniel Dubois.
The soon-to-be 35-year-old battles Dubois for the IBF title and the chance to be a three-time world ruler. However, in contrast, the only fight left for Joshua to target will fall apart if Dubois takes him out badly.
Joshua has eyes on a two-fight deal with Tyson Fury in 2025 but knows Dubois is a dangerous puncher from their many sparring sessions. Joshua has weaknesses the young buck can exploit and has to be switched on for the entire duration.
If he’s caught and taken out in front of a record crowd of 96,000, mentally, that could be the final nail in Joshua’s boxing coffin.
Dubois has proven a tough customer for two solid heavyweights in Miller and Hrgovic, stopping both impressively when they previously seemed unmovable. As Andy Ruiz Jr. proved in 2019 at New York’s Madison Square Garden, Joshua is far from that.
One punch could set off a chain reaction if ‘DDD’ lands clean, leaving Joshua’s career in tatters heading into a possible best losers [of their last bouts] fight with rival Fury.
Speaking at the final press conference, Joshua seemed at peace if the curtain came down this weekend.
“We’ll find out [what Dubois has to offer]. I can’t say [how he feels]. I’m not Daniel. All I can do is focus on myself,” said Joshua.
“I showed Daniel and his team the respect they deserve through fight camp, and that will stand me in good stead on Saturday. I’m tough, and so is he. May the best man win. Good luck to Daniel and his team.
“One thing I said when I started boxing was that I wanted to bring British Heavyweight boxing back. I think I’ve done that.”
He added on the ringwalk, “Many greats have walked it before; the undercard will walk it, and I’ll feel like everyone else.
“When I step into the ring, that’s when I switch on, and I’m ready. I’m not interested in the ringwalk; I’m just getting to the location to do my job.
“Once I’m in the ring, I’ll be ready. 110%.”
Joshua remains the favorite to win at Wembley Stadium, but that all depends on which AJ shows up on fight night.
Joshua vs. Dubois will occur at Wembley, England’s National Stadium, this Saturday night and will be broadcast worldwide on Pay Per View.
Read all articles and exclusive interviews by Phil Jay. Learn more about the author, experienced boxing writer, and World Boxing News Editor since 2010. Follow on Twitter @PhilJWBN.
