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Anthony Joshua will box Daniel Dubois in a highly-anticipated all-British heavyweight title fight tonight, with a domestic-record crowd expected to fill out Wembley Stadium.
A staggering 96,000 fans will be present to see Joshua challenge Dubois for the IBF heavyweight title, as “AJ” looks to cement his legacy by becoming a three-time world champion.
The 34-year-old lost the unified belts to Oleksandr Usyk in 2021 and came up short again in their 2022 rematch. Since then, however, Joshua has been on a tear, securing four consecutive victories, including a decision over Jermaine Franklin and knockouts of Robert Helenius, Otto Wallin, and UFC star Francis Ngannou.
Dubois, meanwhile, also tasted defeat at the hands of Usyk, losing by stoppage in 2023. However, the 27-year-old has rebuilt with decisive wins, including stoppages over Jarrell Miller and Filip Hrgovic, claiming the interim IBF title. With Usyk vacating the belt, Dubois was elevated to full champion status, making tonight’s clash his first defense.
Dubois makes his ring walk first and there is a deafening applause. The world champion arrives to a champion’s welcome.
Then follows Joshua who starts his walk to the theme tune from The Godfather and then it quickly shifts into some Jay-Z. Dressed in a very slick white robe with shoulder pads from the 70s, Joshua stands tall with his chest out and he looks almost robotic as he walks.
The song ‘War’ from the movie Rocky IV plays as he steps into the ring.
ROUND ONE
Dubois downs Joshua!
Dubois takes the centre of the ring from the start and starts working the left jab. He then backs Joshua on to the ropes and follows with an overhand right.
Joshua shells up and then grabs the waist of Dubois.
Really positive start from the IBF heavyweight champion who then sends Joshua to the floor. Dubois landed a bruising overhand right to send Joshua tumbling to the canvas.
Joshua beats the count and then the bell rings to bring an end to the round.
ROUND TWO
Dubois wins round two!
Dubois continues to dominate. Joshua is on the run, struggling to find his footing. Dubois relentlessly attacks both body and head, keeping the pressure on.
Joshua doesn’t seem to have fully recovered from that right hand in the first round. The two-time champion doesn’t seem to have a solid base underneath him. He tries to move back but looks unsteady, his hands dropping as Dubois lands another stiff jab.
Joshua looks sluggish.
The bell rings. Two rounds down, and it’s all Dubois so far.