Anthony Joshua returns to the ring on September 21 as he looks to build upon the momentum of his recent victories for one last shot at the big time.
The 34-year-old, unbeaten in his last four bouts after successive defeats to Oleksandr Usyk, heads to Wembley in fine form but faces formidable opposition in the form of Daniel Dubois.
The all-British affair will be contested for Usyk’s relinquished IBF title, as ‘AJ’ looks to become a three-time world heavyweight champion and get his career back on track after many thought that he would hang up the gloves.
Despite being the favourite with the Joshua Dubois odds, Eddie Hearns man will know this fight will be his biggest test since the second defeat to Usyk back in 2022.
Indeed, both AJ and Dubois have had to work hard to earn this Wembley showdown, which could well prove to be one last chance for both fighters. With the prospect of facing Tyson Fury looming after his mandatory rematch clause was activated against Usyk, a win for Joshua will set up one of the most highly anticipated bouts in British boxing history.
The two were set to clash a couple of years ago but failed to agree a contract before a deadline when Fury was the WBC champion. However, Hearn believes that AJ is still interested in the fight and that this is the next natural step in his journey back to the top.
“If he wins, I believe he will fight Tyson Fury, win or lose against Usyk, but he also wants to fight Usyk for undisputed, that's always been his dream,” the Match Room promoter said.
“I know that if [Joshua] wins Sept. 21 the only fight he will want is the winner of Usyk vs. Fury II. Don't get me wrong he has always wanted to fight Fury, he will do it, but when the decision is read out on September 21 he will want the winner of that fight because he's only one fight away from being undisputed himself.”
As for Dubois, there Is everything to gain for the 26-year-old as he looks to continue a winning run that stretches back to last December.
Defeat to Usyk in Poland – which was already contentious after a controversial low blow ruled by Luis Pabon last August – meant he had to work his way back to the top, picking up successive wins in Saudi Arabia against Jarrell Miller and Filip Hrgovic.
Coming into the bout as eight years Joshua’s junior, he boasts a younger, but more physical presence in the ring, and his aggressive style is something that has made him a fan favourite that is more than capable of upsetting the boxing bets in the capital.
Dubois represents AJ’s toughest test in recent years and his fearless approach makes him dangerous. Any compliancy will be punished by Frank Warren’s man, making the fight unpredictable, with an outside chance of a ‘DDD’ knockout at 9/2 for the reigning champ.
Joshua’s record at Wembley gives him the advantage, with an expected crowd of over 96,000 to overwhelm Dubois. However, his unconventional style will cause the 34-year-old headaches on a night when he will have to be perfect to set up a bout for the ages with Fury – something the boxing world has been waiting almost a decade to see.
