Former Klitschko brothers manager Bernd Boente gave his prediction to World Boxing News about this weekend’s Joshua vs. Dubois event.
Boente, who guided Ukrainian superstars Vitali and Wladimir to Hall of Fame careers, came up against Anthony Joshua in 2017 at the same Wembley Stadium venue where the Londoner takes on Daniel Dubois. Back then, it was ‘Lift Off AJ’ as Sky Sports’ Adam Smith uttered the immortal words when Joshua halted Wladimir to unify the heavyweight titles.
Since then, Boente has been a staunch admirer of Joshua’s career and how the 2012 Olympic champion handles himself outside the ring.
Speaking to WBN in a previous interview, Boente said of Joshua, “I know Anthony personally. I find him to be a great personality and a fair sportsman. Wladimir and Anthony are friends. I’m sure Wladimir would always stand by with advice.”
As fight week heads towards a conclusion before a scintillating weekend of action promised by Riyadh Season’s United Kingdom debut, Boente backed Joshua to become a three-time heavyweight champion.
He told World Boxing News exclusively, “Anthony Joshua has improved his jab under Ben Davison. I believe against Daniel Dubois on Saturday his right hand and his greater experience will be the key.
“Dubois is a dangerous puncher at any time, but his defense was very porous in his recent victories against [Jarrell] Miller and [Filip] Hrgovic. That’s why I’ll go for the more proven AJ on a stoppage win inside nine rounds,” added the DAZN Germany analyst.
Joshua scoring a spectacular win in front of 96,000 to equal Lennox Lewis as a three-time British world heavyweight champion would be the icing on the cake, as AJ proclaims.
Boente picked Joshua for the same outcome as the Klitschko fight, which bodes well for the 96,000 UK fans scheduled to attend. A back-and-forth encounter leading to a considerable knockout would be the perfect way to end fight week.
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.
