Anthony Joshua Addresses Sparring Rumors Ahead of High-Stakes Bout with Daniel Dubois

As the boxing world gears up for the highly anticipated clash between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium on September 21, the air is thick with speculation and narratives, particularly surrounding a sparring session that took place in 2016. Joshua, a former two-time unified heavyweight champion, has finally stepped forward to clarify the long-standing rumors that have circulated regarding that fateful day in the gym.

Setting the Record Straight

In a candid interview with Sky Sports, Joshua expressed his frustration over the exaggerated claims that he was dropped during the sparring session with Dubois. "He just cracked me with a good shot. I stood on my feet," Joshua stated, firmly asserting that he was never knocked down. His comments come as a response to the persistent rumors that have seemingly taken on a life of their own, with many fans and pundits suggesting that Dubois had bested him in their sparring encounter.

Joshua’s insistence on the truth of the matter is backed by the presence of numerous witnesses during the session. "There were a lot of people in the gym that day as well," he noted, emphasizing that others can corroborate his account. He added, "With me, there’s always been like an inch that makes a mile. But it’s all good," indicating that while he acknowledges the rumors, he is not overly concerned about them.

The Build-Up to the Fight

The sparring rumors have dominated the narrative leading up to the fight, with Dubois, now 26, inadvertently fueling speculation by remaining tight-lipped on the incident. This silence has allowed the narrative to flourish, creating an intriguing subplot to their upcoming bout. Both fighters are experiencing career resurgences, having faced their own challenges in recent years. Joshua, at 34, is looking to reaffirm his status as the premier heavyweight in British boxing, while Dubois sees this fight as a chance to ascend to the throne.

Joshua’s recent performance has been impressive, with four consecutive victories, including a notable knockout win over former UFC champion Francis Ngannou in March. This resurgence has reignited his confidence and determination as he prepares for the showdown with Dubois.

Dubois’ Ambitions

On the other hand, Dubois is eager to carve out his own legacy in the heavyweight division. He has rebounded from a disappointing performance against Oleksandr Usyk, securing two stoppage wins over Jarrell Miller and Filip Hrgovic. Dubois has made it clear that he sees Joshua as a formidable opponent, stating, "AJ’s been the king for a long time and on the night, I need to become a king slayer." His ambition is palpable, as he aims to emerge from the shadows and establish himself as the new face of British heavyweight boxing.

Joshua’s Resolve

Despite the rising stakes and the pressure of the upcoming fight, Joshua remains resolute in his position. He responded to Dubois’ ambitions with a firm declaration: "I’m not saying that he has the chance to do it on September 21 because what you speak is sometimes what comes into existence." Joshua’s confidence is unwavering, as he insists that he will not allow anyone to get the better of him, whether in sparring or in the ring. "I won’t let anyone manhandle me or try to knock me out. No way," he concluded, setting the tone for what promises to be an electrifying encounter.

A Pivotal Moment for Both Fighters

The upcoming clash at Wembley Stadium is not just another fight; it represents a pivotal moment for both Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois. For Joshua, it is an opportunity to solidify his legacy and reclaim his position at the top of the heavyweight hierarchy. For Dubois, it is a chance to prove himself against one of the sport’s biggest names and to take a significant step toward his own aspirations of greatness.

As the countdown to September 21 continues, fans are left eagerly anticipating what promises to be a thrilling showdown between two of boxing’s most compelling figures. With the backdrop of sparring rumors and the weight of their respective careers on the line, Joshua and Dubois are set to deliver a fight that could redefine their futures in the sport.