Daniel Dubois vs Anthony Joshua fight predictions
It was announced on June 26 that British behemoths Daniel Dubois (21-2, 20KO) and Anthony Joshua (28-3, 25KO) are set to lock horns on September 21 at Wembley Stadium.
Despite being elevated to IBF World heavyweight champion, after Usyk vacated, Dubois is the underdog at 7/2, while challenger AJ is the bookies favourite at 1/5.
26-year-old Dubois is a former WBA Regular and IBF Interim champion, both versions of the world title, but he will have to win on September 21 in order to be recognised fully, but 34-year-old AJ will be incentivised to become a three-time world heavyweight champion, which would match the likes of Muhammad Ali.
So it’s South London vs North London, with ‘Dynamite’ Dubois hailing from Greenwich and Joshua coming from Watford. But who wins and why? BBN have asked their trusted panel of experts for their take on the huge British brawl, which many will agree is not going the distance!
Wayne Alexander Former British, European, World champion: “Firstly AJ v DDD is so good for British boxing both are highly ranked world class fighters, but I believe AJ’s extra skill and experience with at least matching or more power will get him through in what could be a shootout before five rounds.”
Marshall Kauffman Kings Boxing: “I really like Dubois, I just cannot see him being vicious against a more confident AJ.
“I think Dubois will have some success early in the fight but once AJ gets comfortable and feels him out, we will then start to see an AJ beating on Dubois and I can see this going maybe 6 to 8rds.
“I wish for a better result for Dubois but AJ is on a different level.
“AJ is in the top 3 for sure in the Heavyweight division.”
Tim Rickson BBN Editor: “Dubois is already a huge underdog in this fight, but his recent performances against Hrgovic and Miller will have provided the perfect preparation for this.
“He had to really bite down on his gumshield and weather a storm in both bouts, firstly against a 24-stone Miller, then an unbeaten No.1 contender in Hrgovic. The question is will he be able to take that same punishment from Joshua, who appears to be back to his explosive best?
“He was eating right hands for fun against Hrgovic, but was able to secure a career-best win in the eighth round. Could he withstand those same right hands from Joshua though? Not many can.
“But can AJ, who has also shown a weakness in punch resistance withstand Dubois’ power? He’s only been the distance once, so he’s prolific at ended opponents early.
“One thing is for certain, with Dubois 95% KO ratio and AJ’s 90%, this ain’t going the distance! If Joshua is clever and calculating, then it’s his fight to win. If it turns into a firefight, then it’s with Dubois.
“I’m going to change my mind all the way up to the fight, but I’m picking AJ by stoppage after round six for now.”
Lee Phelps Spokesperson for William Hill: “Daniel Dubois is now the holder of the IBF title following Oleksandr Usyk’s decision to vacate the title, which means his September showdown with Anthony Joshua suddenly takes on much greater significance as a world title fight.
“Joshua is bound to go all out to claim the IBF title and, with his confidence returning after his resurgence in the last few years, we make him the 1/6 favourite, while Dubois looks to have his work cut out if he is retain his inherited title at 4/1.”
Sergio Michel American musician and boxing superfan: “Joshua has nowhere to go, optics-wise. Whatever illusion Hearn spun about him has been shattered. Pursuing this version of the Heavyweight Championship is a ploy to be able to call himself a Champion for promotional purposes.
“Joshua simply cannot cope with not being the talk of the town. The logical fight is Wilder, not Dubois for this title. Dubois is more reliable than Joshua. Sometimes Joshua shows up, sometimes he doesn’t. Dubois should be favoured.”
