Daniel Dubois legitimized his reign as heavyweight champion by defeating Anthony Joshua in five rounds, marking a major turning point in his career. Dubois, once labeled a “paper champion” after being upgraded to world champion following Oleksandr Usyk’s vacating of the IBF belt, silenced critics with his dominant performance in front of 96,000 fans. This victory positions Dubois for a potential future bout against the winner of the Fury-Usyk rematch, with the heavyweight division poised for exciting matchups. Meanwhile, Joshua’s career faces uncertainty after a disappointing defeat, casting doubt on his future in the ring.
The event also highlighted Saudi Arabia’s growing influence on boxing, with a grandiose fight week in London organized by Saudi’s Public Investment Fund. Despite concerns over the cost of such investment, it has played a crucial role in ensuring these marquee matchups happen. However, there is uncertainty about whether Dubois or Joshua will compete in Britain anytime soon due to Saudi involvement.
What next for Joshua and Dubois?
Boxing waited 25 years for an undisputed heavyweight champion before Usyk outpointed Fury in December.
Casual followers no longer needed an explainer on why there were multiple world champions, a lack of one single ranking system or the inner workings of four main governing bodies.
Dubois’ win sets up a potential bout against the winner of the Fury-Usyk rematch, where a win could complete one of the most remarkable turnarounds in the sport’s history and another undisputed champion.
A fresh-faced Joshua, with no miles on the clock, stopped the overmatched Charles Martin to win his first world title eight years ago. Today, he presented a very different man and fighter.
Joshua admirably spoke to the press afterwards to say “of course I want to fight again”, but for the first time since facing Usyk he faced a live, dangerous opponent and came unstuck.
Maybe we were lured into a false sense by this supposed second-coming of Joshua – opponents James Franklin, Robert Helenius, Otto Wallin and Francis Ngannou were far from world-beaters.
Or maybe Father Time has just slowly caught up. During Joshua’s purple patch he seemed unstoppable. As even the most accomplished of boxers eventually find out, purple patches are not endless.
For as long as he is active, Joshua will remain a huge draw. Though the magnitude and crossover appeal of a potential AJ-Fury contest, which promoter Eddie Hearn says could still happen, has greatly diminished.
