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‘It’s a great fight’ declares Brit world champion as he calls out Deontay Wilder for bout

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Deontay Wilder

DEONTAY WILDER has been challenged to a bridgerweight bust-up with a Brit world champion.

The Bronze Bomber’s future at heavyweight is in limbo following four defeats in his last five outings, the most recent of which was a brutal sixth-round KO at the hands of Zheili Zhang.

Despite his brutal and long reign as WBC king, fight fans have long thought the tall and wiry Wilder would be better suited to fighting at lighter weight.

Deontay Wilder says he is ready to face Anthony Joshua next in a highly-anticipated heavyweight fight | Boxing News | Sky Sports

JUST IN: Gervonta Davis vs Shakur Stevenson possible for Nov 2 in Vegas

The recently formed bridgerweight division would be an ideal new home for the American should he try to breathe new life into his career.

And WBC titleholder Lawrence Okolie would happily welcome him to the weight class, telling Betway: “I think it would be a great fight

And he’ll always have what leaves people late and that’s his punching power and the name – Deontay Wilder.”

Unlike most of Wilder’s opponents, Okolie wants to feel the full force of Wilder’s cannon-like right hand.

He continued: “If I’m boxing Wilder, no matter what I say, I’m going to be a little bit apprehensive and think, ‘Okay let’s see what his power is like’.

“I think it’s a great fight.”

Wilder’s run of form has, understandably, sparked calls for him to hang up his gloves.

The most costly of those losses was last December’s defeat to Joseph Parker, which scuppered a two-fight series with long-time rival Anthony Joshua worth a whopping £100million.

AJ, however, refuses to join the growing list of fighters telling the Alabama slammer to call it a day.

The former two-time unified heavyweight champion said: “Come again if you want, but he’s got his family and there’s a life outside of boxing for him.

“I enjoy fighting in London, I enjoy fighting out here [Saudi Arabia], I enjoy fighting in America.

“It’s a blessing, and it doesn’t last forever.

“That’s why I say it with Wilder if he wants to go again, give it another crack.

“But sooner or later, Father Time will catch up with you – with everyone.”

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BOXING

Gervonta Davis vs Shakur Stevenson possible for Nov 2 in Vegas

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Gervonta Davis vs Shakur Stevenson

Gervonta Davis and Shakur Stevenson could be on a collision course for a massive Pay Per View showdown on November 2 in Las Vegas.

World Boxing News understands promoter Tom Brown has penciled Davis in for the date after putting a hold on the T-Mobile Arena. However, Stevenson’s participation in the blockbuster depends on several factors.

At present, Stevenson is a free agent and has been meeting with prospective collaborators, one of which is thought to be Premier Boxing Champions. The multi-weight champion is being called out publicly to sign with Oscar De La Hoya and Eddie Hearn. Still, the Davis fight is undoubtedly the most significant paycheck Stevenson can land. Whether Stevenson wants the Davis fight immediately or further down the line is the only sticking point to giving fans a vast Nevada event.

Shakur Stevenson boldly claims Gervonta Davis doesn't come close to him in one category | Marca

READ: TERENCE CRAWFORD VACATES HIS WBO 147 BELT – ‘WHAT’S NEXT?’

Stevenson has to mull over whether to join forces with Matchroom, Golden Boy, PBC, or Turki Alalshikh for his next bout, which the fans hope will be Davis now that Al Haymon has a date and venue secured.

If a deal can’t be agreed with Stevenson, Davis will be forced to look elsewhere again after Vasiliy Lomachenko initially turned down the offer. Lomachenko showed initial interest before deciding not to fight until 2025.

Davis wants to stage a huge PPV headliner in the desert to round off another successful year. Earlier in 2024, Davis spectacularly knocked out Frank Martin to secure his place as a bonafide lightweight champion following a spell as a secondary titleholder.

Facing Stevenson would allow Davis to become a unified king at 135 pounds, which was the original plan with the Lomachenko negotiations. The only other champion left would be WBO ruler Denys Berinchyk, who may be content to hold off on facing another strap holder until fellow countryman ‘Loma’ becomes available.

Lomachenko vs Berinchyk would be a massive fight for Ukraine and ensure one of their favorite sons becomes a two-belt unified champion.

Right now, without Lomachenko in the mix, the division needs a kickstart after stars Teofimo Lopez and Devin Haney moved up in weight, with Davis vs Stevenson the only fight to get over the line in the minds of the boxing public.

Las Vegas would be the perfect place to stage an event between two fighters rated in the Pound for Pound Top Ten.

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BOXING

Tyson Fury ‘knows’ how to beat Oleksandr Usyk in rematch as victory plan is laid out

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Tyson Fury Oleksandr Usyk

Frank Warren is more than confident that Tyson Fury will exact his revenge on Oleksandr Usyk.

‘The Gypsy King’ lost on a split decision to Usyk in May as he was denied the opportunity to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion of the four-belt era.

Usyk got off to a bright start in the four-belt shootout, but was outboxed in the middle rounds by a confident Fury.

Tyson Fury Oleksandr Usyk

JUST IN: ‘BOXING IS AN ADDICTION’ – FURY REVEALS ALL ON HIS RETIREMENT

The Ukrainian then rallied in the second half of the fight, winning the eighth frame before dropping and nearly stopping Fury in the ninth stanza en route to a hard-fought victory.

In the end, the tight scorecards read 115-112 to Usyk, 114-113 to Fury, and 114-113 to Usyk with the knockdown proving to be decisive.

“People talk like he was slaughtered or something in that fight, there was nothing in the fight, it was a split decision,” Warren told the Queenberry Promotions YouTube channel.

“There was nothing in the fight and I’m telling you next time around it will be a really, really keenly fought fight, there’s no doubt about that.”

Fury blamed his loss on having ‘too much fun’ in the ring and there were moments in the fight where the Brit intentionally let down his guard to taunt and mock his foe.

Warren insists that remaining focused and sticking to his boxing will be his client’s keys to victory.

“Yep, yep [he can win] all he’s got to do is do what he did in the earlier rounds and stay focused,” he added.

Fury and Usyk are now set to run it back on December 21 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia with only the WBA, WBO and WBC belts on the line after Usyk vacated the IBF strap to pursue the rematch.

“Immediately after the fight he wanted the rematch, that’s how he is,” Warren continued.

“He wants to put it right because he knows how close the fight was. He felt he won the fight, I felt he just nicked it, but irrespective of that he didn’t get the decision, but it was a close fight.

“I know he genuinely feels he should have won it, and I’m not talking about the decision, I’m talking about he should have won it and he could have won it.

“And he knows what he’s got to do next time to make that happen.

“At the end of that seventh round when they went back to the corner I genuinely thought that was it.

“Everybody around him as well. There were a few of Usyk’s people sat behind us and they all felt the same thing.

“But Usyk got it together, he came out, caught Tyson on the nose and Tyson seemed to lose a bit of focus for some reason.

“And Usyk had a big round the next round when he nearly had Tyson out.”

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BOXING

‘BOXING IS AN ADDICTION’ – FURY REVEALS ALL ON HIS RETIREMENT

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Tyson Fury

Tyson Fury has opened up on his retirement from the sport. 

The Gypsy King suffered his first loss against Oleksandr Usyk as the Ukrainian became the Undisputed Heavyweight Champion of the World. The rematch has been scheduled for December 21, giving Fury a chance to avenge his loss. Another defeat for Fury will raise question marks over whether he should retire.

The two Usyk fights alone have earned him over $100 million, setting up his financial future. Another defeat will also reduce the importance of an Anthony Joshua fight, who is likely to chase a third Usyk fight if the Ukrainian wins. Fury is now 36 and has won every belt at heavyweight, even if he has not been undisputed. But Fury’s following comments suggest he will struggle to walk away from the sport.

Tyson Fury Oleksandr Usyk

JUST IN: TERENCE CRAWFORD VACATES HIS WBO 147 BELT – ‘WHAT’S NEXT?’

“I’ve been in love with boxing for such a long time – from being a little boy – and I’m 34 now. I’m probably at the end of my career in the next few years. It’s been a love-hate relationship. It’s been toxic at times. When it’s good, it’s very good, and when it’s bad, it’s very toxic.

“So I’m in that relationship and I don’t just abandon things. I try and make things work and that’s where we are at the minute. We’ve been in this romantic relationship since I can remember, since I was a child, and now I am a fully grown adult with a family of my own. It’s like, ‘Do I abandon it, or do I not?’ I wanted to walk away a lot of times but it always drags me back,” Fury said

Fury’s brother, Shane Fury, has already warned his brother that he wants him to retire from boxing after the Usyk fight. This is regardless of the outcome. He referenced how Fury took a lot of punishment in the fight, especially as he was nearly knocked out in round nine. In his post-fight comments, it was clear that Fury had been concussed. He wished everyone a Happy New Year when it was only May. Fury has also had three tough fights with Deontay Wilder.

The Gypsy King was dropped in the first and third fights with brutal right hands. Fury admitted that he feared he had brain damage after the third Wilder fight. He has also been accused of not being the same fighter after the Wilder fights.

He was dropped by Francis Ngannou, an MMA fighter making his boxing debut, in a fight where he was lucky to scrape through with a split decision win. However, the longer Fury stays in the sport, the more he risks harming himself. Derek Chisora has suffered similarly, as the boxer is showing early signs of having CTE. And yet, the 42-year-old continues to fight. Fury must avoid doing something similar.

“It’s like a massive drug and an addiction. I know it’s an addiction and I’m an addictive person. Boxing is an addiction; it’s not my best friend. It abuses me. When I come in this gym, it abuses my body, my mind, my soul. But afterwards I feel like it takes me to ecstasy. The rush is unbelievable. It gives me the biggest highs ever, but it also gives me the lowest lows as well. Boxing is more addictive than any drug ever. Ever. You can’t let it go,” Fury added

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BOXING

TERENCE CRAWFORD VACATES HIS WBO 147 BELT – ‘WHAT’S NEXT?’

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Terence Crawford WBO Welterweight

Terence Crawford has vacated his WBO Welterweight Title, making Brian Norman Jr. the full champion. 

The news comes just as Crawford became a four-division champion after beating Israil Madrimov in his first fight at junior middleweight. The win made him the WBA champion, solidifying his future at 154 pounds. This means that Crawford only has the WBA belt at 147, having become the first Undisputed Welterweight Champion when he stopped Errol Spence Jr. last year.

Jaron Ennis is now one of the leading contenders to box Norman Jr. for the WBO belt in a unification since he holds the IBF belt. That would allow Ennis to pursue his goal of becoming undisputed rather than moving up to 154 to chase Crawford, who is unlikely to take the fight since Boots offers no belts.

Terence Crawford defeats Shawn Porter to keep WBO title - Los Angeles Times

JUST IN: “I Can Do Whatever I Want”: Canelo Alvarez Blasts IBF for Stripping Him off Super Middleweight Title

“WBO President Paco Valcarcel received official communication from… Crawford confirming his decision that he will no longer stay in the welterweight division/ Brian Norman, Jr., is elevated from “Interim Champion” to “Full Champion” status in the WBO Welterweight Division with the rights conferred by such designation,” Luis Batista-Salas (WBO Championship Committee chairman)

Crawford can now focus on his next steps. He had been chasing the Canelo Alvarez fight, even calling out the Mexican after his win over Madrimov. However, that fight appears unlikely. Canelo has distanced himself from it.

He was contacted by the Saudis, who wanted to make the fight happen. However, it did not go down well, as Canelo felt it was disrespectful to talk about that fight while preparing for Berlanga. He also made it clear that he had no intention of fighting Crawford, as it does nothing for his legacy.

Crawford can now pursue a unification at 154 pounds against Sebastian Fundora. But that will not be next after reports that Fundora will box Errol Spence Jr. next, meaning there could be a Spence rematch if the results pan out the right way. Bud has been linked with the Vergil Ortiz Jr. fight.

Ortiz called him out after defeating Serhii Bohachuk in a controversial majority decision. Despite getting dropped twice, Ortiz rallied late on to secure the win. The Saudis are reportedly working on that fight, with Shakur Stevenson vs. William Zepeda being a possible chief support fight. Oscar De La Hoya is keen to make that fight happen next.

“We just discussed it with His Excellency, and if that’s what Vergil wants, then that’s what we’re going to get him. Everything is up in the air. Vergil is in the hospital. Bohachuk is in the hospital. Let’s respect that. Once they get better, we’ll discuss it again and make something happen. He’s [Ortiz] okay. They’re both okay. They’re hurt. It’s literally like the Rocky movie. Apollo Creed and Sylvester Stallone in the hospital. It was a tough fight. Let’s let them rest, and then we’ll reconvene,” De La Hoya said 

The fight could appeal to Crawford as Ortiz is an undefeated KO artist who has stopped everyone except Bohachuk. Ortiz is also the WBC Interim Junior Middleweight Champion, thus making Crawford mandatory for Fundora if he wins. Based on Ortiz’s performances, Bud will fancy his chances.

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BOXING

“I Can Do Whatever I Want”: Canelo Alvarez Blasts IBF for Stripping Him off Super Middleweight Title

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Canelo Alvarez IBF

Canelo Alvarez stands at the pinnacle of the boxing world.

There might not be any name as big as his in the boxing community right now, and the gold straps around his waist only add to his allure. But the IBF took one of them from him for not fighting his mandatory William Scull. The Mexican champion believes he made himself championship-worthy, not the other way around.

Alvarez, 34, has faced flak for not fighting the name the fans want him to face, David Benavidez. But with four straps and only two fights a year, he could only do so much. What’s more? He believes he has fought his way to stardom and now deserves to have his way. Alvarez, at 61-2-2, has questioned the IBF’s decision to take away his title as he weighs it against his popularity and his title of ‘face of boxing’. Did Scull fit the bill as his opponent? Did fans want to see the fight?

Canelo Alvarez next fight: Undisputed crown under threat but Crawford dream remains - Dexerto

READ: ‘It’s Going To Be Tough’ – Joshua Doubts Fury Can Beat Usyk

Alvarez doubted that. He expressed the same when he sat down for an interview with ‘Million Dollaz Worth of Game’. Drawing parallels with the likes of Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Mike Tyson, he pointed out that all the superstars fought, whom they thought were better for their business and resume, not for holding onto their championships after they had cemented their hold on the top. The Guadalajara native said, “[Oscar] De La Hoya, Floyd Mayweather, Julio Cesar Chavez, Mike Tyson, everybody did this. There are stars and superstars, and they made the championship, not the championship made them.”

“The IBF [says], ‘Hey, you need to fight with this because this.’ Who’s [William] Scull? I never hear about him… I’m not gonna do whatever they want, I want to do what I want. In this position, I can do whatever I want. Because I deserve it, because of all I did,” Alvarez added.

While he is one of the biggest stars in the boxing world, he will go against the Noche UFC on the same weekend, as both events share the same date. But he has confidence in his fan base, his fame, and his name.

In the same interview, Alvarez shed light on sharing the same night as Noche UFC, which will happen a few blocks away from his fight in T-Mobile Arena. The UFC has booked the Sphere and has already spent $17 million on the promotion. But the super middleweight champion is undeterred. He declared, “Maybe other boxing matches, maybe, but Canelo is different. There are other kind of fights, but Canelo is just different. I don’t care if the UFC is there, when Canelo fights, it’s different.”

It remains to be seen how well Alvarez’s fight with Edgar Berlanga fares on the business side of things. The fans have asked questions about his decision to fight Berlanga, but he looks to cash in on the Mexico vs. Puerto Rico rivalry to make the event successful. Will his plan be successful?

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BOXING

“He Doesn’t Understand”: Soon After Feud With Canelo Alvarez, HE Turki Alalshikh Refuses to Work With Another Boxing Star

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Canelo Alvarez Turki Alalshikh

HE Turki AlalShikh is making things tick in the boxing world. He is currently the most sought-after matchmaker.

The prime architect of blockbuster events like “Queensberry vs Matchroom – 5 vs 5”, and “Ring of Fire”,is rejuvenating the boxing scene with matchups the boxing fans have been dreaming of. The shrewd businessman’s message is quite clear— get with the program, or fall by the wayside! It is quite evident that boxers and promoters have to fit into his plans rather than the other way around.

The Saudi Arabian matchmaker’s beef with Canelo Alvarez is a clear indicator that he is not here to suck up to any fighter, no matter how famous he is. Now, Australian boxing star Tim Tszyu has been added to the list of people he isn’t willing to work with. In an interview with Fight Hub TV, he unequivocally stated that he “will not work” with Tszyu. “He doesn’t understand,” HE said sternly.

Turki Alalshikh: Tim Tszyu banished by Turki Alalshikh, who declares he will not work with the Australian fighter

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Reportedly, Tim Tszyu was supposed to fight Vergil Ortiz on the Riyadh season fight card on August 3. But, a severe cut to the head suffered during his last bout against Sebastian Fundora in March this year, which hasn’t healed yet, forced him to pull out of the event. Previously, the Australian fighter stated that he was hopeful about working with the mastermind of the Riyadh season. “I’d love to work with him. “He’s all about making the big fights happen and I’m all for that. But I’ve got a team. I’ve got a professional team with me and everything is organized through that.”

However, it needs to be mentioned that HE has not stated the exact reason why he isn’t willing to work with Tsyzu. In the meantime, the 29-year-old fighter has been mandated to fight IBF junior-middleweight world champion Murtazaliev later this year.

Moving on to Turki Alalshikh’s feud with Canelo Alvarez, what exactly triggered it?

As with someone with the reputation of orchestrating matchups that the fans would want to see, HE Turki Alalshikh came to Canelo with the offer to fight undefeated two-time undisputed champion Terence Crawford. But, the unified super-middleweight champion flat-out refused. “He needs to do it my way, and not his way. “I respect everybody but I don’t like the way [Alalshikh] talks… I didn’t ask for this fight.” Alvarez said at the press event for his upcoming fight against Edgar Berlanga.

In response, the Saudi Arabian Royal Court adviser shut down all prospects of the Saudis arranging a Canelo event. He accused Canelo of making “easy show-only fights”, which did not fit in with his aim of “making big fights at fair prices.”

As things stand currently, the four-division champion has put an astronomical price tag of $150 million and $200 million on fights with elite contenders David Benavidez and Terence Crawford, respectively.

Clearly,  the ‘face of boxing’ Canelo wants to call the shots, but HE isn’t willing to budge.

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BOXING

‘It’s Going To Be Tough’ – Joshua Doubts Fury Can Beat Usyk

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Anthony Joshua Tyson Fury Oleksandr Usyk

Anthony Joshua has given his take on Tyson Fury’s rematch with Oleksandr Usyk.

Fury lost the first fight via a split decision as Usyk became the Undisputed Heavyweight Champion of the World. The scorecards suggested it was a close fight, but Usyk dominated most of the bout. Aside from the middle rounds, the Gypsy King was out-fought for most of the fight, as Usyk almost stopped him in round nine. The referee imposed a standing eight count just when Usyk went for the stoppage.

Joshua also lost to Usyk in consecutive fights, losing his Unified Heavyweight Title. But Fury has the chance to redeem himself. He rematches Usyk on December 21. Meanwhile, Joshua takes on Daniel Dubois on September 21. If Joshua and Fury win, they could fight each other next for undisputed. But before that can happen, Joshua has told Fury to focus on himself.

Heavyweight star Anthony Joshua gives his prediction for the highly anticipated bout between Tyson Fury and

READ: Anthony Joshua: ‘I’m not here to be friends with anyone’

“It [Fury-Joshua] needs to happen, it’s just taking a long time, it needs to happen. But he’s got his hands full and so have I. Let’s both do our jobs and we’ll see a positive 2025 I’m sure of it because we know that the people that are listening want to make good things happen. So potentially we might see Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury enter into a ring in collaboration with Riyadh Season, here in London. But let’s get focused on Daniel, that’s our main objective and we’ll see what happens there,” Joshua said

Fury is the underdog in his rematch, where he was the favorite in the first fight. The Gypsy King maintained that he had beaten Usyk, arguing the Ukrainian had only been given the decision due to the war with Russia. Fury also watched the fight again and alleged he had won around ten rounds. He referred to Usyk as an amateur boxer who refused to accept defeat.

He was seen getting thrown out of a bar in his hometown of Morecambe after appearing to be drunk. Meanwhile, Joshua is in great form. He has bounced back from his loss to Usyk and is unbeaten in his last four bouts.

Two of his wins have been under his new trainer, Ben Davidson. Since working with Davidson, he has stopped Otto Wallin and Francis Ngannou. Since Davidson was Fury’s trainer, it has set up an intriguing fight with the Gypsy King. But Joshua felt that Usyk would be too much for the Gypsy King.

“I think it’s going to be a tough fight early on and then I feel like Usyk will edge it again. He’s a class operator and I feel like Usyk’s one of the best out there. That’s why I think he’ll win,” Joshua added

A Fury vs. Joshua fight is not as big as it could be now that both fighters have been defeated. But given the rivalry’s long history, there is potential for fans to see a mega clash. That allows fans to see a big domestic clash to decide the best British heavyweight of his era.

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BOXING

“He Made It Personal”: Accusing Referee of Being Partial Towards Floyd Mayweather, John Gotti III Predicts a Dog Fight In Rematch

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Floyd Mayweather

An “enemy for life” Floyd Mayweather has now been forgiven by John Gotti III, grandson of former New York mobster John Gotti.

After the melee that erupted following John Gotti III’s disqualification during an exhibition match against Floyd Mayweather in June last year, there was bad blood between them for quite a long time. But things have cooled down, and they are now looking to settle the dispute once and for all inside the ring on November 14 in Mexico City, rather than engaging in crude mudslinging on social media.

In an interview with TMZ, Gotti III took a trip down memory lane and narrated the chain of events that happened inside the ring which eventually led to the entourages of both camps rushing into the ring and engaging in a brawl. Furthermore, he revealed his game plan for the rematch against the legendary 50-0 fighter.

John Gotti III suspended after brawl with Floyd Mayweather

JUST IN: Anthony Joshua: ‘m not here to be friends with anyone’

In an interview with TMZ, the 2-0 professional fighter shared his perspective on his ill-famed bout with Floyd Mayweather. For the uninitiated, referee Kenny Bayless disqualified him, midway through round 6, for clinching Mayweather, and not adhering to the rules of the bout. This made an angry Gotti III shove the referee and charge at Mayweather while throwing haymakers.

But, the anger was building up in Gotti III from round one. “He made it personal, I didn’t make it personal. You know he came out from the get-go of that first fight. He was on the verbal attack right away you know and Kenny Bayless had no problem with that whatsoever,” he said. The fight was a one-sided domination as an aggressive Mayweather kept peppering him with big shots, all the while shooting insults at him.

Thereafter, he accused the referee of being partial towards Mayweather. “When I started giving it back it became a problem,” Gotti remarked, pointing out that he received warnings for verbally insulting Mayweather, while ‘Pretty Boy’ got away scot-free.

Nonetheless, he stated that things would be different in the rematch. “He [Mayweather] could say whatever he wants to say he’s not going to snooker me again you know,” Gotti asserted.

But, what does Gotti expect Floyd to do in the rematch?

Gotti III hopes that Mayweather comes out swinging like he did in the first fight. Safe to say, he isn’t afraid of the “dog fight”. The New York native’s response would be to “stay in the pocket” and trade punches with him.

“If he comes out the way he did the first fight you know I think I am gonna stay right in the pocket this time and I’m gonna give it as good as I could take,” he said confidently.

What’s more, he won’t be afraid to make adjustments if Mayweather decides to move around and play the usual evasive counter-puncher role.

“Maybe he’ll move and be on his bike a little more I don’t I don’t know but I’m prepared like I said,” Gotti told TMZ.

Hopefully, John Gotti III is “mentally prepared” for the boxing pedigree that a skilled, and undefeated fighter like Mayweather is going to bring into the ring.

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BOXING

Anthony Joshua: ‘I’m not here to be friends with anyone’

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Anthony Joshua IBF heavyweight

When Anthony Joshua walks to the ring to fight Daniel Dubois for the IBF heavyweight title at Wembley Stadium in London, England, on September 21, 3,088 days will have passed since Joshua breezed past Charles Martin to first win the famous red belt. 

Lots has happened since that night in April 2016 but although things may feel different if he wakes up on Sunday morning with the belt at the end of his bed – for the time being at least – the thought of recapturing his original title doesn’t trigger any particular feelings in Joshua, nor does it hold any special significance.

When Joshua, 28-3 (25 KOs), beat Martin to first win the title it signified much more. It confirmed Joshua’s arrival on the world stage and was the first, significant step towards turning him into the global attraction he developed.

Anthony Joshua

READ: Ryan Garcia & Serhii Bohachuk Join Forces Against Boxing World as HE Turki Alalshikh’s Plan Sets in Motion After Vergil Ortiz Jr. Calls Out Terence Crawford

These days, the title belt would be a nice bonus but is part of a much bigger picture. Beating Dubois, 21-2 (20 KOs), won’t kickstart another long run of title defenses but it should earn him a straight shot at the winner of the upcoming rematch between Oleksandr Usyk or Tyson Fury and, depending on boxing politics, a crack at the undisputed heavyweight title for the first time in his career..

“I always say I would always compare and look back when it’s all said and done. At the minute I’m just very chilled. Everything’s a blessing so I just get on with it. It’s an opportunity to fight” Joshua told Queensberry.

“It’s going to be tough, it’s nerve-wracking but in terms of world titles I’m just like, ‘Here today gone tomorrow. Onto the next’ and then when it’s all said and done I’ll like, ‘Oh I remember when I won that and that was amazing and that was amazing,’ but as for now, conqueror’s mindset; win onto the next.”

Joshua and Dubois have a history dating back some seven years. The exact details of what really happened during their much talked about sparring session in Sheffield will probably end up being lost to time but although it probably means little given how much both fighters have changed since, it has certainly left an undercurrent of tension.

If Joshua has slowly changed and evolved as a fighter and person during his time at the top, Dubois’ transformation has been quick and startling. The 26-year-old’s gutsy, stoppage victories over Jarrell Miller and Filip Hrgovic cast aside the doubts and questions thrown up by his stoppage defeats to Joe Joyce and Usyk.

Dubois is also beginning to develop that all important aura that a heavyweight champion must possess. He will never be as professional or as slick as Joshua is in front of the cameras but he seems to have decided to be himself and appears much more comfortable as a result.

During a long press day of set piece events to launch the fight, tempers flared as the two came head to head for a round table discussion.

Dubois – buoyed by the way he handled the domineering Filip Hrgovic – had clearly made up his mind not to show the more experienced Joshua even the slightest hint of weakness and refused to be intimidated as Joshua sought to impose his seniority, leaving his seat and warning the younger man that he doesn’t take being disrespected lightly.

Joshua respects the attitude that Dubois is bringing to the fight and revealed that a bit of pre-fight tension helps  him become the person he needs to be on fight night.

“Always been that way. This is what I feel people don’t really get to understand what it’s like to do our job,” he said. “It’s a very unique job. The glitz and the glamor of it is very unique but when you strip it down to the core of it, let’s say you’re going to get two men to stand up in the ring in front of people and we want you to fight for 47 minutes. A lot of people couldn’t even fight for two minutes. Start the clock and try and fight – try and throw punches – for two minutes.We’re going to do it for 47 minutes so, yeah, people couldn’t really grasp where that takes us as people but I’m straight warrior mindset the whole time. I’m not here to be friends with anyone.”

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