Combat Picks: Daniel Dubois vs. Anthony Joshua

On Saturday, Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois will meet for the IBF heavyweight title as a part of Riyadh Season: Wembley Version at Wembley Stadium, London.

The reigning Ring champion Oleksandr Usyk was pressured to vacate his IBF belt, and Dubois, who beat Filip Hrgovic for the interim title, has been subsequently upgraded.

The 2 rejuvenated British heavyweights will meet in a doubtlessly explosive contest on DAZN Pay-Per-View at 10:30 a.m. ET/ 7:30 a.m. PT. and at 3:30 p.m. within the U.Okay.

Joshua gained gold on the 2012 Olympics. He turned skilled and gained British and Commonwealth championships earlier than stopping American Charles Martin (KO 2) to elevate the IBF title. The massively in style Brit defeated Wladimir Klitschko (TKO 11) and Joseph Parker (UD 12) so as to add WBA and WBO titles to his assortment, and was dominant in opposition to stable rivals Carlos Takam (TKO 10) and Alexander Povetkin (TKO 7). Joshua was shockingly stopped by Andy Ruiz Jr. (TKO 7) however regained his titles in opposition to the ill-disciplined Mexican-American in a direct rematch by one-sided unanimous choice.

After beating obligatory challenger Kubrat Pulev (KO 9), Joshua was twice crushed by Oleksandr Usyk (UD 12/ MD 12). The 34-year-old has returned with wins over Jermaine Franklin (UD 12) and Robert Helenius (KO 7) however didn’t look overly spectacular in doing so. After a sequence of adjustments in coach he has been in a position to reinvent himself by beating Otto Wallin (RTD 5) and the way by which he took care of Francis Ngannou (KO 2) not less than prompt he’s in a very good place.

Dubois was additionally a very good novice although by no means reached the extent Joshua did. He determined to show skilled on the 19 and ploughed by means of his first eight opponents earlier than going the space for the primary time in opposition to perennial survivor Kevin Johnson (UD 8). He gained British and Commonwealth titles earlier than dealing with Joe Joyce for the vacant European title. With the struggle up for grabs, Dubois was stopped within the tenth Spherical with a fractured eye socket.

He rebuilt his profession and overcame actual adversity with three first spherical knockdowns to beat Kevin Lerena (TKO 3). That led to a shot at Ring champion and IBF/WBA/WBO beltholder Usyk, who picked him aside – save the extensively talked about low blow/borderline physique shot – and stopped him 9 rounds. Since then, the 27-year-old has returned and impressively crushed Jarrell Miller (TKO 10) and Filip Hrgovic (TKO 8).

Each males have rebuilt their careers after loses to Usyk. Joshua (28-3, 25 knockouts) has moved round trainers since leaving Robert McCracken, however after working with Derrick James and Robert Garcia stateside he appears to have discovered a house underneath Ben Davison. He now appears to be like and seems in a very good place. Nevertheless, is all of it smoke and mirrors, or the results of good matchmaking in opposition to made-to-order current opposition? Has Dubois (21-2, 20 KOs) acquired over the hump the place he mentally broke down in each of his defeats? Each fighters know one another from sparring. Will that give Joshua, who apparently bossed them, the sting or result in overconfidence? Joshua is used to the large event, however this shall be Dubois’s first time on such a giant stage. Is he prepared mentally for that?

On-line playing group William Hill lists Joshua as an 3/10 (-333) favourite, whereas Dubois is priced at 11/4 (+275). The draw is 25/1 (+2500).

Right here’s how the consultants see it:

THE RING 

ANSON WAINWRIGHT: JOSHUA TKO 9

“Each fighters suffered damaging defeats and had been bashed by critics. Nevertheless, each deserve credit score for digging down deep and resurrecting their careers. Joshua misplaced twice to Oleksandr Usyk and altered trainers a couple of occasions earlier than settling with Ben Davison. In the meantime, Dubois, who has additionally modified trainers a couple of occasions, appeared like he could also be a virtually man till he powered by means of and beat Jarrell Miller after which upset Filip Hrgovic. This marks one other step-up for Dubois. I feel this can be a very intriguing struggle between two large punchers, and whoever lands first could properly go on to win. Nevertheless, I additionally suppose each shall be weary of the opposite’s energy and this can be a battle of the jabs early on. I’ve been very impressed with each males’s kinds, however I really feel Joshua is at a better stage, plus his expertise at combating in large occasions will stand him in good stead. I anticipate Joshua to be within the ascendancy by the halfway level and break down Dubois in round 9 rounds for the stoppage win.”

LEE GROVES: JOSHUA KO 9

“Given the prodigious KO information and their weak chins, Dubois-Joshua is sort of assured to finish inside the space. Regardless of having been shaken and stopped up to now, Joshua’s chin has held up properly in current fights, whereas Dubois’ stays an open query. And along with his performances in opposition to Helenius, Wallin and Ngannou, AJ appears to have discovered the candy spot between being respectful and damaging. Together with his top and attain benefits, AJ additionally doesn’t must take as many dangers to be efficient. The tempo shall be modest, however the guess is that Joshua’s benefits in measurement and expertise will lead to a TKO victory.”

DIEGO MORILLA: JOSHUA TKO 8

“Joshua is long-overdue for a career-threatening upset, however this isn’t going to be that night time. Pretty much as good as they each are, they’re each very weak and have a questionable protection. Their chins have been checked already and their punching energy is greater than sufficient to anticipate a stoppage from both one, so the elements are there no matter who will get the suitable recipe. However Joshua’s extra cautious strategy and sluggish begins will make it tough for Dubois to land with energy early on, and simply because it occurs with heavy punchers Dubois will get drained shortly if Joshua manages to make him miss sufficient energy punches. A choice for Joshua is the sensible cash guess, however I’ll go along with a stoppage anyway.”

Anthony Joshua blasts Francis Ngannou with a proper hand en path to scoring a brutal second-round KO within the Knockout Chaos most important occasion in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photograph by Richard Pelham/Getty Pictures)

MARTIN MULCAHY: JOSHUA TKO 7

“I give Daniel Dubois credit score for registering stable wins after struggling his two losses, however I don’t see a path to victory in opposition to an Anthony Joshua who holds each benefit. The underside line is that Dubois lacks the velocity, each of hand and foot, to hassle Joshua on protection nor the protection to stop Joshua from touchdown persistently. I want there was extra tactically or mentally to this, however I feel it comes all the way down to how a lot punishment Dubois can soak up not if he has an opportunity to win. My estimation is that it is going to be round eight rounds, relying on Joshua’s attacking mentality most likely earlier, with the nook of Dubois or the referee stepping in to cease the struggle.”

MICHAEL MONTERO: JOSHUA

“I like this matchup. Each have suffered current defeats to the professional heavyweight champion, Oleksandr Usyk, however have gone on spectacular runs since. Joshua is the taller, longer fighter with extra total expertise. I consider he’ll make the most of these attributes and field intelligently, from the surface, early on. The onus shall be on Dubois to wreck AJ’s recreation plan. Can he? This bout will largely be fought at a technical tempo, with occasional laborious exchanges within the middle of the ring. Though I really feel Dubois can have his moments, Joshua’s expertise will see him by means of. Give me Joshua by unanimous choice, attainable late TKO.”

NORM FRAUENHEIM: JOSHUA TKO 8

“It appears to be like as if Joshua’s confidence has been restored, which is dangerous information for Daniel Dubois, whose notable energy is offset by a shaky protection. Towards Francis Ngannou, Joshua threw well-executed combos, one after one other and all lethal. Maybe, Dubois lands a giant shot early. However that could be his solely likelihood. Anticipate Joshua to weaken Dubois halfway by means of the struggle with combos, setting him up for a proper hook that can end him later.”

BOXING INSIDERS

DUKE MCKENZIE (FORMER THREE-DIVISION TITLEHOLDER/TV ANALYST): DUBOIS TKO 10

“I preferred this struggle from the second it was introduced. My opinion is that AJ is a former champion in search of one other chew of the cherry to develop into a three-time heavyweight world champion and be a part of the elite boxers of the previous who’ve managed this feat. There’s his incentive. Will it’s sufficient to cease a younger hungry fearless Dubois who isn’t given sufficient credit score for his boxing IQ? I feel AJ will carry out the very best in Dubois, and we’ve got seen the very best of AJ who nowadays loses his form badly as soon as he unloads, whereas Dubois holds his form loads higher. The a lot improved Dubois appears to be getting higher, and I’d anticipate to see marginal enchancment going into this struggle. I feel with much more head and lateral motion from Dubois, his work charge shall be an excessive amount of for AJ, who will merely not have the ability to cope. Dubois wins inside 10 rounds TKO.”

TOM GRAY (FORMER MANAGING EDITOR FOR THE RING): JOSHUA TKO 10

“When two genuine knockout artists sq. off, there’s the tendency to suppose the struggle shall be over in a rush. Nevertheless, what usually occurs in a puncher vs. puncher matchup is that each males respect one another’s energy a lot {that a} tactical battle transpires. There’s certain to be loads of heavy hitting, however I feel we’ll see loads of technical boxing on this struggle, too. Each males have cerebral and completed trainers of their corners and technique shall be key with a lot on the road. Since teaming up with coach Ben Davison and boxing coach/video analyst Lee Wylie, Joshua has step by step developed into a cheap, affected person and extremely efficient boxer-puncher. He broke Otto Wallin down with the jab and the straight proper hand to go and physique, forcing the Swedish lefty to give up on his stool on the finish of 5 rounds. And whereas the Francis Ngannou struggle was over in two, Joshua didn’t waste a punch. Dubois can’t be underestimated and he’s an enhancing fighter. Perpetually written off following the stoppage loss to Joe Joyce in 2020, the Londoner has proven severe combating coronary heart in wins over Jarrell Miller and Hrgovic. Nevertheless, there are holes within the IBF champ’s defenses and that spells hassle in opposition to a puncher like AJ. I consider Joshua is the higher boxer and has extra instruments. He’s correct and versatile with glorious counterpunching capacity. Over time, I see Joshua breaking Dubois down and forcing a late stoppage.”

STEVE KIM (THE 3 KNOCKDOWN RULE): JOSHUA TKO 7

“Whereas Dubois has rebounded properly from his loss to Usyk, and he definitely has the proverbial puncher’s likelihood on this contest, he’s dealing with a boxer in Anthony Joshua who appears to have absolutely regained his confidence. It took some time to recover from his loss to Andy Ruiz, however by means of sheer exercise the previous yr or so, he’s as soon as once more punching with authority and doesn’t look gun-shy. AJ has lots of the bodily benefits, and he’s additionally the straighter puncher from the surface. My view is that he’ll field early, after which layer his assault with increasingly proper fingers. I see him stopping Dubois in Spherical 7.”

SERGIO MORA (FORMER WORLD CHAMPION/ COMMENTATOR): JOSHUA KO 

“I actually really feel this struggle has the potential to be a heavyweight traditional. Two highly effective however weak giants who each have had moments the place their coronary heart and toughness had been questioned. This struggle will reply questions for not less than one in all them. Anticipate fireworks! I’m choosing AJ’s championship expertise over Dubois momentum and youth for this one. AJ by KO, in a shootout!”

CAMILLE ESTEPHAN (PROMOTER, EYE OF THE TIGER): JOSHUA KO

“I feel this matchup has all the weather to ship a superb struggle. I don’t suppose this may go the space. Though Dubois might rating a knockout I see AJ having the ability to management a lot of the exchanges along with his jab, glorious timing and distance. His counter proper hand will play a significant factor on this struggle. I see Joshua stopping Dubois in 8 or 9 rounds.”

Daniel Dubois (proper) vs. Trevor Bryan. Photograph credit score: David Martin-Warr/Don King Productions

MARC RAMSAY (TRAINER): JOSHUA TKO 10

“Daniel Dubois has made a greater than respectable development since his loss to Joyce in 2020, and he has absolutely develop into one of many superb heavyweights. However sadly, Joshua is superior to him in nearly all departments. I see a balanced struggle at the start and because the rounds go by, a spot will widen between the 2 boxers. I feel Joshua will cease Dubois on the finish of the struggle. Joshua TKO 10.”

BRAD GOODMAN (MATCHMAKER, TOP RANK): JOSHUA 

“Very fascinating struggle with each fighters coming in with a ton of confidence. Undecided what truly occurred of their sparring years in the past however I don’t take that severe. Each guys had their ups and downs all through their careers however after every man’s final loss it appeared like they’re totally different guys. I felt Joshua might’ve simply gained the second Usyk struggle if he simply did slightly extra however in my view he simply didn’t consider in himself like he does now. Ben Davison has executed a sensational job in getting Joshua again to the place all of us thought he at all times ought to’ve been. The psychological side is a lot extra necessary than the bodily. In Dubois I’m undecided learn how to analyze him. He’s had three significant fights and went 1-2 with that win in opposition to Hrgovic, who I used to be by no means excessive on. Clearly, each guys are nice punchers which often means it ought to go rounds as a result of they’ll be respectful of one another’s energy. I feel if Joshua isn’t hesitant and is sensible whereas being aggressive he might cease Dubois the primary half of the struggle, however I feel he’ll be respectful as will Dubois and it’ll go both the space or Joshua stops him late. I consider Joshua wins in all departments (greater fights, higher opposition, higher coach) and the best way he’s appeared in his final three fights, I feel he’s the very best heavyweight on this planet.”

JOE ROTONDA (MATCHMAKER, MAIN EVENTS): JOSHUA TKO 7

“I truly actually like this struggle, each of those guys have appeared to show their careers round and are wanting a lot better than they did in recent times. Anthony Joshua appears to be like like the very best model of himself as of late, he made his final 4 opponents appear like they actually didn’t belong within the ring with him. Daniel Dubois is on the identical trajectory, choosing up wins his final two fights in opposition to two undefeated contenders. I’m not taking something away from Dubois, I feel he’s a high heavyweight and his identify belongs within the combine with the elite of the division, however I feel this model of Anthony Joshua is an issue for any heavyweight on this planet, and I feel he stops Dynamite Dubois midway by means of the struggle.”

MARK TIBBS (TRAINER): JOSHUA TKO

“I’m going with the extra seasoned AJ, however a giant DDD is treble hungry and has weapons of mass destruction to tug off the win. Whereas Dubois has been sprucing up on his offense, he can’t neglect his protection. I can’t await this. It’s not going the space.”

ROBERTO DIAZ (MATCHMAKER): JOSHUA TKO 9

“The battle of the large boys. A harmful struggle at this level for AJ. Daniel is a homerun hitter and has confirmed energy. Dubois is coming to win and is aware of {that a} win over AJ is automated stardom. AJ have to be cautious to start with and establishing the jab and protecting his distance. Dubois should attempt to get in on the within and attempt to land his bombs. In the long run, the followers don’t wish to miss that as a result of as everyone knows something can occur in boxing and on the subject of the large boys, one punch is all it takes. Enjoyable, pleasure and bombs is what we’ll witness.”

RICH MAROTTA (COMMENTATOR): JOSHUA KO 7

“The Anthony Joshua-Daniel Dubois struggle carries a specific amount of intrigue, so I’m undoubtedly considering seeing the way it performs out. I really feel Joshua has plateaued a bit and possibly reached his ceiling, whereas Dubois remains to be getting higher and on the ascendancy. So the query is: Has an enhancing Dubois reached the extent of Joshua? I don’t suppose so. He has a robust punch, and Dubois has simple grit and bravado, however he doesn’t possess the identical talent set as AJ. Each are flawed fighters, so I can’t dismiss the opportunity of an upset. Nevertheless, I feel Anthony nonetheless has an excessive amount of total capacity for Dubois. AJ punches the sharper of the 2, and Daniel will get hit with too many clear photographs. I see Joshua a KO winner in 7 rounds.”

TONY SIMS (TRAINER): JOSHUA KO

“I feel Joshua shall be a giant favourite, as he’s vastly skilled. They each have super punching energy. They each sparred one another fairly a bit when Anthony was a younger professional and Dubois was a youngster. Anthony was at all times answerable for the spar. So he could maintain a psychological edge over Daniel from them days. Though it was a very long time in the past now. Dubois has a jab like a proper hand so may cause harm early on, if he begins touchdown within the opening rounds. Joshua additionally carries energy in each fingers, particularly the suitable hand, he’s additionally very sensible defensively, the place Daniel lacks a very good protection. It’s gonna be a short-lived struggle. I feel it goes earlier than the half manner mark with Joshua incomes the KO.”

MATTHEW MACKLIN (FORMER WORLD TITLE CHALLENGER/ COMMENTATOR): JOSHUA TKO

“I feel you’ve acquired to make AJ a fairly stable favourite, particularly as he appears assured and completely happy in his new coaching crew. It appears to be like like he’s acquired his mojo again. That mentioned, Dubois is coming into it off the again of the most important win of his profession in opposition to his finest opponent (Usyk apart). And he needed to come by means of some rocky moments to get the win, so has probably exorcised some demons within the course of. On high of that, you would say that AJ was alleged to do what he did to Ngannou and Otto Wallin. I don’t suppose it’s a foregone conclusion by any stretch of the creativeness. I feel Dubois is harmful and poses an actual menace. However I’m going with AJ inside 8 rounds.”

RUDY HERNANDEZ: (TRAINER): JOSHUA TKO 9

“Joshua vs. Dubois shall be a really entertaining struggle. Their kinds are made for one another. It should begin considerably sluggish however by the third spherical they’ll know their vary, and fireworks will start. I consider that Joshua’s expertise and his exercise would be the distinction, in a slugfest. Anthony Joshua will win by TKO inside 9 rounds. It gained’t be simple, however Joshua is a disciplined fighter and that would be the distinction. Dubois shall be aggressive however this shall be one other loss in opposition to a greater fighter.”

Ultimate Tally: Joshua 19-1

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