Tyson Fury is confident he will knock out Oleksandr Usyk in their December 21 rematch.
Fury lost the first fight via a split decision to become the Undisputed Heavyweight Champion. In his post-fight comments, the Gypsy King refused to accept the loss. He felt that Usyk had only been given the decision because of Russia’s war with Ukraine.
Even after having rewatched the fight, Fury was adamant that he had comfortably won. He called Usyk an amateur, but the wider perception was that Usyk had done enough to win. The Ukrainian dominated the earlier and latter parts of the fight, while Fury’s success came in the middle rounds.
Usyk almost knocked out Fury in the ninth round, with him bouncing off the ropes before the referee imposed a controversial standing eight count just when a stoppage appeared likely. The rematch is not for undisputed since Usyk vacated the IBF Heavyweight Title.
Daniel Dubois, the current champion, defended the belt successfully by knocking out Anthony Joshua in the fifth round. Fury has plenty on the line, as a win would secure an undisputed title shot against Dubois. But even if there is a loss, there is the potential to face Joshua in a mega-domestic clash.
Given that Fury is coming off the first defeat of his career, there are question marks over whether he can bounce back. The Gypsy King felt that he would get his comeback. He singled out his rematch against Deontay Wilder in the second bout where he knocked him out. Fury was outboxing Wilder in the first fight before the Bronze Bomber dropped him in the final round.
That was enough to secure a draw, even if the majority of boxing fans felt Fury had done enough to win. Fury is using Wilder’s performance as motivation to come forward in this rematch. But it is important to bear in mind the following. Usyk fights very well when fighters are coming to him. This is due to his ability to counterpunch.
He sat in the pocket against Joshua in his two fights. He still managed to pick off his opponent, almost stopping Joshua in the first fight in the last round. While Fury will be looking to impose his size on Usyk, there is a risk that he will leave himself open by giving the Ukrainian a bigger target to hit. But if he can get his balance right, then Fury has a good chance of avenging his only loss.
“I didn’t think he beat me last time, and I’m damn sure not going to let him beat me this time. I’ve got to knock him out, and I’ll be training for a good knockout, and I’ll get it like Wilder 2. I said I was going to knock him out, and I did.
“I’m going to knock him out this time, and I will. Believe it first. He got the decision over me, and I got to run it back. It makes sense to do the rematch and get my victory back. I’ve got past the point of really caring. It probably took that decision to wake me up and give me the type of aggression back where I want to smash someone in,” Fury said
After going in as favourite for his fight against Daniel Dubois, the former two-time unified world heavyweight champion was stopped in brutal fashion.
It was a stunning display by Dubois, the current IBF world heavyweight champion, as he dominated Joshua in a manner that no previous boxer has been able to.
Oscar De La Hoya taunted Eddie Hearn after Daniel Dubois knocked out Anthony Joshua.
Joshua was dropped four times before Dubois ended the fight in the fifth round. The defeat ended Joshua’s hopes of becoming a three-time heavyweight champion as Dubois retained his IBF Heavyweight Title. Joshua was the massive favourite coming into the fight after having stopped his last two opponents, Otto Wallin and Francis Ngannou.
There was a consensus that Joshua was back to his best. After having teamed up with Ben Davidson, he returned to a combination power puncher. However, on reflection, it appeared that his opposition level was not up to scratch. Joshua was tagged and sent to the canvas from the first round, as he never recovered. Davidson’s instructions in the corner also came under fire after he told his fighter to roll the dice.
Just before Joshua stopped, the Brit landed a few right hands, pushing Dubois back. But rather than staying calm and composed, he opened himself up only to get tagged by a right hand. The result also followed after Frank Warren won the Queensberry vs Matchroom 5 v5 tournament early in June, making it difficult for Hearn against his biggest rival. De La Hoya looked back at the incident by trolling Hearn and urging fighters not to sign with Matchroom Boxing.
“Anthony Joshua was knocked out in the fifth round by Dubois. It was actually an amazing and entertaining fight, and I like AJ. However, this was another huge L for Eddie Hearn, who is literally 0-11 to Frank Warren this year.
“This continues the Matchroom curse, meaning if you sign with Matchroom, you’re either guaranteed to lose or get injured. To make matters worse, Eddie Hearn faced off with his old buddy Devin Haney at the crowd at Wembley. Eddie, you can’t build a fighter to save your life. Anthony Joshua had the world at his fingertips, and you found a way to fumble his career,” De La Hoya said
Nevertheless, there is always a chance that Joshua can come back stronger. In his post-fight comments, he clarified that he would not retire. This raises serious questions over who his next opponent will be. Joshua can take the Dubois rematch and try to avenge that loss. He did so when he took on Andy Ruiz Jr. by changing his game plan and outboxing him. The danger is that Joshua gets stopped once again, which will increase the calls on him to call it a day.
There is also the option of just waiting things out and facing Tyson Fury. The Saudis have said that they want to make Fury and Joshua fight regardless of what results they end up getting. If Fury comes out second best against Oleksandr Usyk in the December 21 rematch, there is a narrative in place to make Joshua-Fury the next. It is the biggest boxing fight out there and would undoubtedly sell out. It would also allow the winner to take on either Dubois or Usyk, who would likely face off.
Boxing fans won’t have to wait long to see the rematch between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois as ‘AJ’ looks to avenge his crushing defeat to the IBF champion
The heavyweight rematch between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois seems increasingly likely and could take place in February.
Dubois was a huge underdog coming into the first contest at Wembley Stadium, but came out guns blazing, with Joshua unable to deal with the champion’s power and speed. Just moments into the opening round, Dubois had sent Joshua tumbling, and it would only get worse for ‘AJ.’ The Brit went on to drop Joshua three times before securing a sensational knockout in the fifth round to retain his IBF title.
The next big fight in the heavyweight division is Oleksandr Usyk’s clash against Tyson Fury in December. It looked likely that Dubois would wait for the winner, however, it would appear a rematch with Joshua seems more realistic. Frank Warren, Dubois promoter, has revealed that ‘Dynamite’s’ next fight will take place early next year and is very much open to the rematch between the two heavyweight giants with February 22 pencilled in for a fight card in Riyadh.
When quizzed about a rematch between the pair, Warren told TNT Sports: “I’m not against that at all. That’s not an open door for me, I’ll take the door off the hinges and we’ll do it. That fight is there. If they want it, they’ve got it, have it in a heartbeat. His next fight will be in February. That’s when he’ll fight next, and we will work out who that’s going to be in the next week or two weeks.”
Warren isn’t the only one who is chomping at the bit to see a second fight. Fellow promoter Eddie Hearn has revealed Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh intends to see Joshua take on Dubois again. “Rematch clauses come in many different forms,” Hearn told talkSPORT. “We have a fight with Riyadh Season. One of our options is to fight Daniel Dubois again, and our contract is with them. His Excellency [Turki Alalshikh] will deal with Frank and Daniel and make that fight happen. The terms will have to be agreed with them.
“We have already agreed our terms, we have the option to rematch with Dubois. Our meetings with His Excellency, he wants the rematch. AJ will always want the rematch. Daniel wants the rematch too it’s the biggest fight for him and they will fancy it. It is a case of going away and talking about, do we go straight into the rematch? And when will it be? It was a heavy night at the office, we aren’t going back to fight in 10-12 weeks, he needs his rest and time to recover.”
Joshua and Hearn confirmed immediately after the main event on Saturday that the intention was to pursue a sequel. Many senior figures in the sport of boxing have suggested ‘AJ’ should consider retiring. However, the Brit is confident that he still has a lot more to give and that he can become a three-time heavyweight champion.
As for Dubois, in a recent interview with talkSPORT, the Brit revealed he will accept the fight that offers him the most money next. “I would love a rematch but either one really, whoever pays me more money,” he said. ‘Dynamite’ added that if the rematch with Joshua wasn’t imminent, he’d certainly consider the bout in the future. “Yeah, if that happens down the line then yes. I want to do even better next time. I know where I need to improve as well, so as a champion and a fighter I want to prove people wrong every time and that’s what we have been doing.”
When asked if he’d do a better job on Joshua, Dubois said: “I think so. I think I would. I think I’d be a lot better than that. It was a great show and it was a great Rocky-type fight, but next time I believe I’ll be more clinical, more sharp, everything better.”
Victory is all in the mind for the reigning IBF heavyweight world champion
Daniel Dubois will be meditating over, and visualising how, he plans to defeat Anthony Joshua when they meet at Wembley Stadium on September 21.
The IBF world heavyweight champion takes on the former unified king of the division in a blockbuster clash, live on Sky Sports Box Office, where the winner will be line to face the victor of the Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury rematch later this year.
Dubois already has visions of standing across the ring from Wembley against Joshua and how he believes the contest will end and will be focusing hard in training camp to ensure that becomes a reality on fight night.
“When I’m in training camp, I sharpen up my mind,” Dubois told Sky Sports. “I play out the fight over and over, and just meditation and just visualising.
“I do a lot of that, and the sparring helps. The camp atmosphere all helps as well.
“This fight sells itself, based off me and AJ and what we both bring – and what I bring especially.
“We’ll see as it goes on, but I’m going to be in camp, locked in and focused. I’ll have tunnel vision about getting that victory.”
September 21 will not be the first time Dubois and Joshua have shared a ring, with the duo having sparred together when the former was part of the Great Britain amateur squad.
There have been rumours Joshua was knocked down by his future opponent in one session, although the former champion has denied that.
Dubois insists he has no memories of those sessions either and even if he did, is adamant they would be of no relevance as he has come on so much as a boxer since then.
“Those spars were seven years ago, and I can’t remember a thing about them, to be honest,” Dubois said.
“I’m not here to spar him now, I’m here to fight him, so I’m thinking about that. I haven’t brought my headguard, that spar is in the past for me.
“At the time it was a great experience, but seven years on I’m a different fighter now with different experiences in the fight game.”
Among those experiences are those big nights on boxing’s grand stages, such as stadium fights against Kevin Lerena and Usyk in Tottenham and Wroclaw respectively, not to mention the clashes with Jarrell Miller and Filip Hrgovic in Saudi Arabia.
He has tussled for titles too, beating Trevor Bryan in Miami to claim the WBA regular heavyweight crown two years ago and then take the IBF interim crown, later upgraded to full world champion status, in the bout with Hrgovic.
“Especially Saudi,” Dubois said, reflecting on what he has learnt from those big nights. “It was an amazing journey and I feel like it has empowered me to move on from here and get this next W.
“To go out there and the way we got the [WBA regular belt] with Don King in Miami was just a dream – it was a trip, it was good.
“It’s back in London, fighting again – I’ve missed it. It’s going to be a great night to have that feel, that energy and that buzz in the city.”
Having now compiled a 21-2 (20) record as a professional and holding a world title, Dubois has little to fear when he takes on Joshua in front of 90,000 fans at Wembley.
But he is adamant he will be able to utilise any fear there is on the night rather than let it get to him.
“You can never let that happen,” Dubois said. “Even if you are scared you’ve got to act brave!
“For a fighter, if you don’t have a bit of fear then you’re crazy. But fear is good and it’s my friend when I’m in the ring.”
Daniel Dubois was elevated to the status of IBF heavyweight champion after the former undisputed champion of the division Oleksandr Usyk vacated the belt.
Usyk couldn’t defend the title against Dubois on time as he was contractually obligated to fight Tyson Fury again in a rematch on December 21, 2024. Interestingly, the British boxer became the No. 1 contender for the IBF after defeating Filip Hrgovich in June this year. Subsequently, the belt fell into his lap, and he became the IBF heavyweight champion.
However, Dubois’ very first title defense would be a tough task. The challenger—the former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, is hungry to become a three-time world heavyweight champion. The tense pre-fight build-up adds another layer of intrigue to an all-British heavyweight showdown at the Wembley Stadium on September 21. It all kicked off in the face-to-face chat in June where AJ brutally shut down Dubois, who was eager to throw down then and there. “I’ll throw this f***ing chair across your face. Don’t disrespect me,” Joshia said angrily. Both fighters almost came to blows. As a result, the security had to step in to separate the two blood-thirsty pugilists.
Now, with the date of the clash inching closer, the ‘Dynamite’ has sounded off on AJ for his “disrespect” remark during the face-off. “Disrespect is not the right word, is it? We’re in boxing,” the 26-year-old fighter stated in an interview with Queensbury Promotions. He further conveyed to Joshua that respect should be left at the door when getting into a fight with someone.
Is there respect in that ring? At the end of the day, this is a fight. If you want respect go and become a lawyer or a doctor,” Dubois stated solemnly. “This is a fight game and you know I’m ready, 100% ready, to just go out there and fight now.” Seems the two British boxing stars are going into the fight with the clear intention to hurt one another.
On the other hand, Anthony Joshua too will be heading into the Dubois fight with bad intentions as he has plans to reach the very top of the heavyweight division, once again.
The battle with Dubois is crucial in determining whether Joshua could become an undisputed champion. A win against the Greenwich native would set Joshua up nicely to face the winner of the Usyk-Fury clash in December.
“All he’s got on his mind is Dubois. Obviously, winning the world heavyweight title, but I know that if he wins September 21, the only fight he will want is the winner of Usyk-Fury,” AJ’s promoter Eddie Hearn stated.
“He’s always wanted to fight Fury, he’ll definitely do it, but when the decision is read out on December 21 he will want the winner of that fight because he’s only one fight away from being undisputed himself,” The Matchroom Boxing head added.
It is quite evident that AJ won’t hesitate to face Oleksandr Usyk for the third time provided ‘The Cat’ wins the rematch against Fury. Notably, Joshua lost his unified heavyweight title to Usyk in 2021. The rematch the following year also yielded the same result.
Anthony Joshua vs. Daniel Dubois Odds Sparks Heated Debate in Boxing World
Betting odds often reflect the prevailing sentiment about who’s favored to win a boxing match. However, the upcoming all-British bout between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois has stirred up quite a debate among boxing fans, with the odds so tight that it’s ignited passionate discussions. It all began with a single X post.
Earlier today, the X handle Boxing Kingdom, a well-known source for boxing content, shared their perspective on the Joshua-Dubois fight. They argued that the current odds of ‘Anthony Joshua – 1.22, Daniel Dubois – 4.80, Draw – 17.00’ were off the mark, suggesting instead that Dubois might knock everyone’s socks off with a victory.
Boxing Kingdom wrote, “The odds are incorrect on Anthony Joshua vs Daniel Dubois. They are currently showing Anthony Joshua as a massive [favorite]. It’s actually a very close fight. I’m leaning to Dubois slightly. He’s full of confidence. But it’s so close I wouldn’t gamble on this.” While Boxing Kingdom seemed confident in their prediction, others said otherwise.
The odds are incorrect on Anthony Joshua vs Daniel Dubois. They are currently showing Anthony Joshua as a massive favourite. It’s actually a very close fight. I’m leaning to Dubois slightly. He’s full of confidence. But it’s so close i wouldn’t gamble on this. pic.twitter.com/Dly0lfTGzs
Back in June, former cruiserweight champion Tony Bellew praised Anthony Joshua as one of the top heavyweights in the world, confidently predicting that Joshua would knock ‘DDD’ out within two rounds. On the other hand, Zhilei Zhang from China has a different view. He believes that Dubois, being young and hungry, has what it takes to secure a victory.
Needless to say, even the experts are divided on the matter. Plus, both fighters have lost fights to former undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk, who vacated his IBF title to make this fight happen. Nonetheless, when the boxing world caught wind of the tweet from Boxing Kingdom, things were heated in the comments.
Joshua is coming off wins against Francis Ngannou, Otto Wallin, and Robert Helenius, meaning the upcoming fight is the biggest challenge for him in a while. Of course, people had to speculate, take this first user, for example, who saw the past unfolding again. The user wrote, “I can feel the Andy Ruiz situation happening, y’all better stake right.” Notably, Andy Ruiz Jr. shocked the world when he defeated Joshua via 7th-round TKO back in 2019. However, Joshua came back in the rematch to win the second fight via a unanimous decision.
I can feel the Andy Ruiz situation happening, y'all better stake right
Conversely, another commenter disagreed, suggesting ‘DDD’ has no shot against ‘AJ.’ “Dubois’s defense is non existent. I’m fairly sure the odds are spot-on and AJ lands a clean right in the middle rounds that ends it. Really want to see Dubois test AJ’s chin before that happens though,” they wrote. While Joshua was a former unified heavyweight champion, the IBF title is Dubois’ first major title. Meaning, purely by achievements, Joshua has the upper hand.
Dubois’s defence is non existent. I’m fairly sure the odds are spot-on and AJ land a clean right in the middle rounds that ends it. Really want to see Dubois test AJ’s chin before that happens though
Someone else gave props to Dubois’ ability to knock out his opponents, but they couldn’t see Joshua losing. “I like @DanielDuboisTKO a lot, but it is hard not to see @anthonyjoshua finishing him in the first 5, (if not 3), rounds,” one fan commented. Interestingly, ‘DDD’ had a better knockout ratio at 95.24% compared to Joshua’s 89.29% KO ratio. However, this gets overshadowed by Joshua’s resume of superior opponents.
I like @DanielDuboisTKO a lot, but it is hard not to see @anthonyjoshua finishing him in the first 5, (if not 3), rounds!
Another user decided to mock Boxing Kingdom for their tweet, remarking, “If you’re leaning towards Dubois these are exactly the type of odds you take a gamble on 😂.” However, there’s always Joshua’s ‘Left, Right, Goodnight,’ which can end the fight instantly, so betting money on this fight can indeed be risky.
If you’re leaning towards Dubois these are exactly the type of odds you take a gamble on 😂
Another enthusiast tried to educate Boxing Kingdom on how betting sites come up with the odds. “Odds aren’t incorrect, they are systematically calculated to lean towards where the money is going,” they commented. This basically means the majority of people are betting on Joshua to win, and the betting site isn’t pulling the numbers out of a hat.
Odds aren't incorrect, they are systematically calculated to lean towards where the money is going
Having said that, regardless of the odds, the fight is geared to be an action-packed and thrilling matchup between two elite boxers, which could go either way. Only time will tell who is right and who is wrong.
Oleksandr Usyk has said he is only interested in rematching Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.
Usyk secured the biggest career win, beating Fury via a split decision to become the Undisputed Heavyweight Champion. It was the first time boxing had an undisputed champion since Lennox Lewisin 1999. The rematch takes place on December 21, but it will not be for undisputed. The Ukrainian dropped the IBF title, as Daniel Dubois became the full champion.
Joshua will box Dubois on September 21 for that IBF belt, with the winner in line to box either Fury or Usyk for undisputed. Usyk has already beaten Joshua on two occasions. He outboxed the Brit in both fights to become the Unified Heavyweight Champion. After winning everything in the sport, Usyk does not have many goals moving forward.
“Well, this is a rematch with Fury and possibly a third match with Joshua. Only with these two guys it is still interesting, from now on let the youth get fit and work … The logical line is that, apart from Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, I have no desire to box with anyone,” Usyk said
There are several other options Usyk could explore beyond that. His team has hinted at the idea of crossing over into BKFC. Conor McGregor, who is a part owner of BKFC, has been mentioned as a possible name. That fight increases Usyk’s profile while also giving him the chance to win a title in another sport. Usyk’s slick defensive skills and footwork do work in his favour.
There is also the chance to help the next generation of fighters. Usyk’s win over Fury was massive for Ukraine since the country is at war with Russia, providing the citizens with a morale boost. But given that Usyk is undefeated, he risks losing that record if he continues fighting for much longer as he is 37. Given the huge amount of money on the table and Joshua’s willingness to fight Usyk again, the Ukrainian could be attempted.
“He wants to beat Usyk. Because the first fight he had with Usyk, frankly he came out second best. He went away, he regrouped, he learned, he studied and he still got beat in the second fight. That’s why he got so disappointed in the second fight.
“It’s a split decision and it was close, but Anthony Joshua’s a very special type of sportsman. The money’s great. He’s got more than enough money, you could float a battleship if you put all his cash in one locker. But they want to win. These people want to win and they want a legacy. I don’t think Anthony Joshua will sleep at night until he is unified,” Eddie Hearn stated
But before a Joshua fight can be considered, Usyk must overcome Fury in his rematch. It was the Gypsy King’s first career loss, meaning he has more motivation to avenge the defeat. Fury has shown he performs best as an underdog, beating Deontay Wilder and Wladimir Klitschkowhen the odds were against him. Usyk must guard against that.
Billy Joe Saunders has declared that Tyson Fury can beat Oleksandr Usyk “three times in one night” in their rematch: “I don't think there's a heavyweight out there that can outbox Usyk just picking for picking, but Tyson can beat Usyk three times in one night with one simple game…
Tyson Fury will knock out Oleksandr Usyk in their December 21 rematch.
That is according to Billy Joe Saunders. Fury suffered the first loss of his career as Usyk won a split decision. The result appeared close, but in truth, Usyk dominated most of the fight. He controlled the earlier and latter parts of the fight, while Fury’s success came in the middle rounds. The Ukrainian almost knocked out Fury in the round, but the referee controversially imposed a standing eight count instead.
Usyk defied the pre-fight narrative that Fury would overpower him. He walked down the Gypsy King, despite the latter being 40 pounds heavier and having a seven-inch reach advantage. Fury is expected to come more on the front foot, as he did against Deontay Wilder in the second/third fights, where he stopped the Bronze Bomber. That was a departure from the first fight, where Fury was boxing on the back foot. Saunders felt that if Fury pressed the action, he would come out victorious.
“I don’t think there’s anyone out there than can outbox Usyk. Tyson Fury, he can beat Usyk three times in one night with one simple game plan. It’s very, very simple how to beat him. You have to use your size. You have to use your physical advantages. Every attribute you have you need to use to full effect with this man,” Saunders said
Saunders also made comments that suggested that things were not all going well in camp. Reports indicated that Jai Opetaiahad dropped Fury in camp. The IBF Cruiserweight Champion was brought into camp to mimic Usyk’s southpaw style. Since he is a cruiserweight, he would have been much like Usyk. But Opetaia left camp early after claims he dropped Fury.
Johnny Nelsonbacked up comments that Fury had been dropped. However, coming into the fight, Fury was praised for his physique. He also trained from after the Francis Ngannou fight last year since the Usyk fight was rearranged twice. Although Fury suffered a cut, which saw the Usyk fight being rescheduled, there were no excuses from Team Fury. But Saunders suggested that there were issues in camp.
“I’m not making any excuses for him, but I know what went on in camp and what didn’t go on in camp. I know that, even when it came to sparring and other bits and bobs, there was stuff missing out of it that needs to be rectified this time. He’s asked me to go away [for] training camp with him, so I’m delighted to say I will be going away with him. I believe Tyson will win the next fight. And I believe that he will win by knockout as well,” Saunders stated
Nevertheless, if Fury comes on the front foot, it does play into Usyk’s hands. He is known for being a counter puncher, something which allowed him to sit in the pocket in the two Anthony Joshua fights. Should Fury press the action, Usyk has more of a target to hit, leaving Fury with a tough task.
It wasn’t that long ago that the career of Anthony Joshua as a pinnacle-level heavyweight looked quite uncertain.
Two years ago to the month, Joshua had what appeared to be a breakdown in the ring following a second agonizing defeat to Oleksandr Usyk. The Ukrainian had, nine months earlier in London, dished out 12 rounds of punishment on the unified world champion to take his WBA, WBO, and IBF titles, so the immediate rematch was AJ’s chance at revenge and to reclaim his straps.
There was a marked improvement from Joshua on that August night in Jeddah, but it was still not enough as Usyk put his foot on the gas in the championship rounds to shade a split decision and retain his three belts. Joshua reacted by throwing one of the belts out of the ring before grabbing the mic and launching an expletive-laden rant – actions he later said he regretted.
In the post-fight press conference, the former champion hid under his baseball cap and looked visibly broken. Questions were asked about whether he would ever mentally recover sufficiently to the point where he could once again rule the heavyweight division.
After some rest and recovery, Joshua hopped on a plane to the United States and returned to the lab, restarting his work with then-trainer Derrick James in Texas to build a third version of AJ – one that could take him back to the top of the heavyweight tree.
Joshua had been in a similar position before. For the first 22 fights of his professional career, AJ was a wrecking ball bulldozing its way through the heavyweight division. It was an approach that was perfectly effective as the British fighter raced to his first world title.
Then came the first fight with Andy Ruiz Jr in June 2019 and the humiliation of getting stopped by a late replacement while using that same aggressive, attack-first strategy that had served him so well – on his American debut, no less. Joshua went away and focused on becoming a more well-rounded fighter. He continued to work with long-time trainer Rob McCracken but also brought in some outside voices.
AJ the brawler was being replaced by AJ the boxer. He entered the rematch with Ruiz six months later with a far more methodical and conservative strategy – and it worked as Joshua 2.0 eased to a points victory in Saudi Arabia to reclaim his belts.
But it came at an expense: Joshua had lost his edge. That imposing, fearsome knockout artist was nowhere to be seen. In his first fight as two-time champion, he took far too long to stop an ordinary Kubrat Pulev when he had the Bulgarian in trouble in the third round; it took AJ another six rounds to get it done.
Nine months later, in September 2021, was his first fight with Usyk. If there was ever a fight, the old Joshua need to come out, it was against the Ukrainian. Instead, he tried to outbox Usyk and stayed gun-shy throughout, and soon enough, the result was inevitable.
“When I looked at Mayweather he had two phases of his career – Pretty Boy and then Money May. And he just became smarter, so I was just trying to get smarter as a fighter, that’s all,” Joshua told the Boxing Social podcast.
“When I got beat by Ruiz, I had my health issues, but I kind of knew that at some stage I’m probably gonna come unstuck. Why? Because I didn’t feel like I was learning. I was fighting but I wasn’t learning.
“So that’s why after the first Ruiz fight I went through that rebuilding phase. Completely changed my style – stick, move, hit and don’t get hit. Then I tried to take that further on in my career with Usyk. He is the master of that s**t.”
Between Usyk fights, Joshua parted ways with McCracken and joined forces with Robert Garcia. It was a partnership that lasted just one fight: the Usyk rematch, and while there were visible improvements to his boxing skills, it still wasn’t enough.
That’s when Joshua made his way to Dallas to work with James and his stable of champions, including former unified welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr. It was time to start building Joshua 3.0.
At a critical time in his career, Joshua needed to marry his newfound and still developing skillset with the aggression and power that had been the foundation of his early years. He worked with James for two fights; an understandably cagey points win over Jermaine Franklin and a more encouraging stoppage of Robert Helenius.
Then along came Ben Davison. The trainer had established a strong reputation having guided the early part of Tyson Fury’s comeback, including his first fight against Deontay Wilder – and he’s continued to refine Joshua 3.0.
The aggression and spite were back in December for his impressive stoppage win of Otto Wallin, who took Fury to the scorecards, and he showed no mercy in March’s two-round destruction of Francis Ngannou – who also took Fury to the scorecards.
These are all encouraging signs from the past 12 months, but it’s fair to say this latest version of Joshua has yet to be truly tested by a top-tier opponent.
That test will come in three weeks when AJ faces IBF world champion Daniel Dubois in the headline bout of a stacked card at Wembley Stadium in London.
Dubois (21-2-0 20 KO) is in the form of his career and is improving quickly. He earned the IBF’s interim title in June with an eight-round stoppage of the unbeaten Filip Hrgovic, six months after a gusty final-round knockout of Jarrell Miller. He was later elevated to full champion when Usyk vacated the belt having agreed to a rematch with Fury.
‘Dynamite’ is more powerful, athletic, and better skilled than any of Joshua’s post-Usyk opponents. He has the tools to formulate and execute a game plan capable of defeating AJ. He is also full of confidence and belief.
Joshua, the more experienced fighter on this sort of stage, is considered the favorite and the best version of the two-time champion would be expected to emerge victorious.
Having gone through, in his words, several “rebuilding phases”, AJ will need to implement all he’s learned during his career. If he combines the more cautious stick-it-and-move approach with his spiteful finishing, then Dubois should be no match.
Should he secure an impressive stoppage, his chances in an Usyk trilogy bout would look much brighter – or indeed, his prospects in a long-awaited showdown with Fury.
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