In a surprising turn of events, lightweight contender Maxi Hughes is boldly picking IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois to defeat Anthony Joshua by knockout in their highly anticipated headliner next month. The fight is scheduled to take place on September 21st at the iconic Wembley Stadium in London. Hughes believes that the 34-year-old Joshua, who holds a record of 28-3 with 25 knockouts, has displayed vulnerability when hit hard in previous fights, causing him to “fall to pieces.” It is this perceived weakness that Hughes believes Dubois, with his impressive power and recent improvements, will be able to exploit to secure a victory.
Dubois, at 26 years old, has been on a steady rise in the heavyweight division, showcasing notable improvements with victories over top contenders such as Filip Hrgovic, Jarrell Miller, and Kevin Lerena. One particular fight that stands out is Dubois’ controversial bout against Oleksandr Usyk, where he was denied a knockout victory despite dropping his opponent with a body shot that was ruled as a low blow. This instance, along with Dubois’ resilience and tenacity in the ring, has led to many in the boxing world recognizing his potential for greatness.
On the other hand, Joshua’s recent performances under the guidance of trainer Ben Davison have left some doubts regarding his ability to withstand power shots from elite heavyweights. While Joshua has secured wins over respectable opponents like Francis Ngannou, Robert Helenius, Otto Wallin, and Jermaine Franklin, critics argue that these victories may not truly reflect his improvement as a fighter. The level of competition faced by Joshua under Davison’s tutelage has raised questions about whether he has truly grown as a boxer, especially in terms of his chin durability against powerful strikers like Dubois.
Despite the general consensus favoring Joshua in the upcoming bout, Maxi Hughes stands firm in his support for Dubois. Citing interviews with fellow heavyweights and their experiences sparring with both fighters, Hughes emphasizes Dubois’ growing reputation as a formidable force in the division. In particular, Dubois’ recent victory over Filip Hrgovic on June 1st has boosted his confidence and solidified his position as a legitimate title contender.
Hughes acknowledges the risks associated with backing Dubois against a proven champion like Joshua but remains convinced that the younger fighter’s combination of skill, power, and confidence will ultimately lead to a stoppage victory. The narrative of Dubois overcoming adversity, as seen in his fight against Kevin Lerena where he was knocked down three times in the first round but rallied to secure a win in the third, adds to Hughes’ belief in Dubois’ ability to emerge victorious against Joshua.
In the event that Dubois manages to defeat Joshua by knockout, the implications for both fighters would be significant. For Joshua, a loss could potentially derail his pursuit of a third heavyweight title reign, casting doubt on his ability to bounce back from defeat. However, with the promise of a mega-fight against Tyson Fury already in the works, Joshua may still have a chance at redemption regardless of the outcome.
As for Dubois, a victory over Joshua would solidify his status as a rising star in the heavyweight division and pave the way for future opportunities to establish himself as a dominant force. His journey from underrated contender to potential champion serves as a testament to his resilience and determination to succeed in a sport known for its unforgiving nature.
The upcoming showdown between Daniel Dubois and Anthony Joshua promises to deliver fireworks and showcase the evolution of both fighters as they vie for supremacy in the heavyweight landscape. With predictions divided and expectations high, fans can anticipate a thrilling clash that could shape the future of the division.