Anthony Joshua is set to complete his long road to redemption on Saturday as the former world heavyweight champion eyes Daniel Dubois’ IBF belt.
Joshua believes victory over Dubois at Wembley would finally end the difficult period he has been going through since a 2019 loss to Andy Ruiz and two losses to Oleksandr Usyk.
The 34-year-old Briton will take to the ring on the back of a five-fight winning streak, but insisted he won’t be satisfied until he completely erases the bitter taste of his defeat to Ruiz in New York.
Andy Ruiz Jr celebrates his victory against Joshua in 2019. | Photo credit: Reuters
Andy Ruiz Jr celebrates his victory against Joshua in 2019. | Photo credit: Reuters
“I became mentally strong when everyone came against me after Ruiz,” said Joshua, who was knocked down four times before being stopped in the seventh round by the Mexican-American.
“You build a strong back, a firm chest, strong legs and you walk through it. You go through walls and you continue to prove people wrong.
British fighter Dubois has the punching power to deny his compatriot’s dream of facing the winner of Usyk’s rematch with Tyson Fury in December.
But Joshua, who is flourishing under new coach Ben Davison, is expected to join Muhammad Ali, Lennox Lewis and Evander Holyfield in winning a world title for the third time in front of 96,000 spectators.
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“It’s a blessing to be back. What can I say? I don’t even know how it happened or why, but I’m the man of the moment and I’m living it and making the most of it,” he said.
“I’m also here to do a job. I have to go out there and win. I am ready to scold and remind everyone what I am capable of.
“Every fight is a legacy fight for me and it’s just another day at the office. I will do my best. My only message for Daniel is good luck.
Anthony Joshua (left) and Daniel Dubois face off during a press conference at the Guildhall, London, Thursday September 19, 2024. The IBF heavyweight title fight between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois will take place on Saturday September 21. | Photo credit: AP
Anthony Joshua (left) and Daniel Dubois face off during a press conference at the Guildhall, London, Thursday September 19, 2024. The IBF heavyweight title fight between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois will take place on Saturday September 21. | Photo credit: AP
Dubois is on the rise after following up last year’s loss to Usyk with wins over Jarrell Miller and Filip Hrgovic.
The 27-year-old’s challenge now is to prove in the ring that he is a true world champion after receiving his IBF belt when Usyk decided to leave the team in June.
“I have to keep this world title. It’s a good thing, but I have to legitimize myself by winning this fight,” he said.
“It’s my job to kill him and finish him off. Enough talking, let’s get down to business. Let’s go to war. He’s going to bring it and I’m going to bring it.
