ANTHONY JOSHUA VS DANIEL DUBOIS: A HISTORIC NIGHT FOR BRITISH BOXING

 This Saturday September 21, a record 96,000 boxing fans would converge at the iconic Wembley Stadium to witness two British consummate heavyweights step into the ring in the UK edition of Riyadh Season. 

  Former unified champion Joshua ( 28-3 , 25 Kos) challenges Daniel " Dynamite" Dubois for the latter's IBF World Heavyweight title. 

 The intriguing aspect of it all is that, the pair are in tremendous form at this point; enjoying some kind of revivification in recent times:

 Anthony Joshua after back to back losses to Oleksandr Usyk in September 2021 and August 2022 respectively came back to win a decision against Jermaine Franklin at the O2 Arena in April last year. 

 A tasteless win it seemed but a win it was and a return to winning ways for the boxer who also has roots in Nigeria. 

 From then on, AJ switched camp and engaged the services of Ben Davison; the man who resurrected Tyson Fury after his long hiatus. 

And it's been knockout after knockout in brutal fashion for Joshua: Robert Helenius, Otto Wallin and Francis Ngannou were all crushed into powder by the " AJ Grinding Mill".

 The Watford native, at age 34 is in tiptop shape and according to close sources from his training camp, is going for a short night. 

  Across the ring from Joshua tomorrow night would be Daniel Dubois ( 21-2) 20 Kos.

The 27-year-old 6'5" dude is a giant in his own right and carries menacing power in both fists.

 Early in his career, rumours were rife about how a young Dubois floored Anthony Joshua, then already a world champion, in sparring. 

  AJ himself has confirmed this rumour just recently and vows to avenge that come fight night. 

 Dubois has also had setbacks: an upset loss to rival Joe Joyce in November 2020 derailed what was a smooth path to the top.

 He came back with some good wins but had a scary ride in the early goings against Kevin Lerena; sustaining three knockdowns in the opening round before taking out Lerena in the third. 

 The Greenwich native next bumped into " Ukrainian legend Oleksandr Usyk, losing by knockout in round nine- the controversial low blow et al.

 But just like AJ, Dubois is on fire at this point. He stopped Jarrell Miller in December last year before destroying Filip Hrgovic in eight rounds in June this year at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh to clinch the IBF Interim World title. 

  Dubois subsequently became full champ after Oleksandr Usyk vacated the belt- setting the stage for this All British War.

  PERMUTATIONS:

  Few similarities: both have been accused of quitting- Joshua against Andy Ruiz and Dubois against Joyce and also Usyk  

 Both have faced Usyk and lost : Joshua twice by decision and Dubois once by stoppage.

 Disparities: In terms of power AJ is slightly ahead of Dubois but anything is possible in boxing. AJ is also more experienced, has fought better opponents, has better skills overall and a tighter defence. 

 Dubois is younger, very combative and has immense heart. Indeed,  during one of the fighter meeting sessions,  Joshua became agitated,  demanding respect from Dubois.  Dubois later replied,  aptly,  that if AJ wanted respect he should go be lawyer. 

 But there are unconfirmed reports of rift between Dubois and trainer Don Charles. Don Charles has also been reported to be suffering from illness and could be absent in the boxer's corner: a big blow that would be.

 Conclusion:

 All said and done, it should be a thrilling battle which might very well go via the short route: both fighters are very offensive minded. 

 A record crowd and an even historic bout can be anticipated. In the end Britain would still have a world champion. 

 By Samuel Opoku Amoah