Anthony Joshua vs. Daniel Dubois: The IBF Heavyweight World Title Showdown
On Saturday, September 21, boxing fans around the world will turn their eyes to Wembley Stadium for a highly anticipated clash between two of Britain’s heavyweight titans: Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois. This fight not only promises to be an electrifying encounter but also carries the weight of the IBF heavyweight world title, making it a must-watch event on Sky Sports Box Office.
When is the Joshua vs. Dubois Fight?
The stage is set for a thrilling night of boxing as Anthony Joshua makes his return to world title action against fellow Londoner Daniel Dubois. The event, part of the Riyadh Season, kicks off at 4 PM, with the main event ringwalks expected around 9:45 PM. Fans can expect a night filled with excitement, drama, and the kind of heavyweight action that has defined boxing history.
Where is the AJ-Dubois Fight?
Wembley Stadium, an iconic venue steeped in sporting history, will host this all-British heavyweight showdown. For Joshua, this marks a return to the hallowed grounds for the first time since 2018, while Dubois will be making his debut at Wembley, although he has previously fought in stadiums, including a challenge against Oleksandr Usyk in Poland. The atmosphere is sure to be electric, with thousands of fans eager to witness this monumental clash.
How to Watch Joshua vs. Dubois and Pricing Details
For those eager to catch the action live, the Joshua vs. Dubois fight will be available on Sky Sports Box Office. The event is priced at £19.95 for Sky customers in the UK and €24.95 for those in the Republic of Ireland if booked before midnight on September 20. After that, the price will remain the same for self-service bookings but will increase slightly for phone bookings. This is a small price to pay for what promises to be a historic night in boxing.
Who is the Champion?
As the fight approaches, it’s essential to note that Anthony Joshua, a seasoned veteran with 12 world championship bouts under his belt, is looking to reclaim his status in the heavyweight division. However, Daniel Dubois enters the ring as the current holder of the IBF belt, having won the Interim title in his last bout. With Usyk’s rematch with Tyson Fury preventing him from defending against Dubois, the Interim title was elevated to the full championship, adding further stakes to this already intense rivalry.
Current Form: AJ vs. Dubois
Both fighters come into this bout with something to prove. Joshua has bounced back from his second loss to Usyk with a four-fight winning streak, showcasing his resilience and determination. His recent victories over notable opponents like Jermaine Franklin and Francis Ngannou have demonstrated his ability to adapt and improve. On the other hand, Dubois has also rebounded from a stoppage loss to Usyk, securing impressive wins against Jarrell Miller and Filip Hrgovic. While both fighters have faced the formidable Usyk, their paths to this title fight have been distinctly different, adding layers of intrigue to their matchup.
The Undercard: Exciting Fights to Watch
The undercard for this event is equally compelling, featuring several intriguing bouts that are sure to captivate boxing enthusiasts. Notable matchups include:
- Mark Chamberlain vs. Josh Padley at lightweight
- Josh Kelly vs. Ishmael Davis at middleweight
- Joshua Buatsi vs. Willie Hutchinson for the WBO Interim light-heavyweight title
- Anthony Cacace vs. Josh Warrington for the IBF super-featherweight title
- Tyler Denny vs. Hamzah Sheeraz for the European middleweight title
These matchups promise to deliver high-octane action and showcase some of the best talent in boxing today.
Pre-Fight Talk: What Joshua and Dubois Say
In the lead-up to the fight, both Joshua and Dubois have expressed their intentions and mindset. Dubois has made it clear that he aims to knock Joshua out, stating, "I’m going to focus my whole life into destroying it and just being a good destroyer." His aggressive approach and determination to dominate are evident.
Conversely, Joshua remains focused on his mission, emphasizing his experience and readiness to compete at the highest level. "I’m just willing to fight anyone," he said, highlighting his commitment to reclaiming the championship belt. The contrasting mindsets of the fighters add an extra layer of excitement to the bout.
Promoters’ Perspectives
The promoters of both fighters have weighed in on the matchup, with Frank Warren, Dubois’ promoter, acknowledging Joshua’s experience but suggesting that youth and current form could play a significant role in the outcome. Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the danger both fighters pose to each other. The stakes are high, and both promoters recognize the potential for fireworks in the ring.
Special Performance by Liam Gallagher
Adding to the excitement of the night, music fans will be thrilled to know that Liam Gallagher will perform live just before the main event. Known for his electrifying performances and as a massive Manchester City fan, Gallagher’s presence will undoubtedly enhance the atmosphere at Wembley Stadium.
Upcoming Boxing Events on Sky Sports
Following the Joshua vs. Dubois showdown, boxing fans can look forward to several other exciting matchups on Sky Sports, including:
- Jaime Munguia vs. Erik Bazinyan (September 21)
- Sandy Ryan vs. Mikaela Mayer for the WBO welterweight title (September 28)
- Takuma Inoue vs. Seiya Tsutsumi for the WBA bantamweight title (October 13)
- Junto Nakatani vs. Tasana Salapat for the WBC bantamweight title (October 14)
- Adam Azim vs. Ohara Davies (October 19)
- Robson Conceicao vs. O’Shaquie Foster for the WBC super-featherweight title (November 3)
- Keyshawn Davis vs. Gustavo Lemos (November 9)
Conclusion
The Anthony Joshua vs. Daniel Dubois fight is shaping up to be one of the most significant heavyweight clashes in recent memory. With both fighters bringing their unique strengths and motivations to the ring, fans can expect a night filled with drama, excitement, and the kind of boxing that keeps fans on the edge of their seats. Be sure to tune in on September 21 to witness this historic event live on Sky Sports Box Office.