Daniel Dubois Retains IBF Heavyweight Title with Stunning Knockout of Anthony Joshua at Wembley
Daniel Dubois retained his IBF heavyweight title with a stunning fifth-round knockout of Anthony Joshua at Wembley. Dubois dominated the all-British bout, raising questions about Joshua’s future in the sport while positioning himself for a shot at undisputed heavyweight glory.
Daniel Dubois Triumphs with Explosive Knockout of Anthony Joshua to Defend IBF Heavyweight Crown
In front of a raucous crowd of 96,000 fans at Wembley Stadium, Daniel Dubois cemented his status as IBF heavyweight champion with a devastating fifth-round knockout of Anthony Joshua in an electrifying all-British clash on Saturday night.
Dubois, 27, delivered a dominating performance from the opening bell, showcasing the power and determination that led to his meteoric rise in the boxing world. Joshua, a former two-time heavyweight champion and 2012 Olympic gold medalist, found himself floored multiple times throughout the bout as Dubois relentlessly pressed the action.
Dubois, who was elevated to IBF champion earlier this year following Oleksandr Usyk’s decision to vacate the belt, spoke of his desire to “legitimize” his reign – and he did just that. After the knockout victory, Dubois told DAZN, “Are you not entertained? It’s been a journey and I’m grateful to be in this position. I’m a gladiator, a warrior until the bitter end.”
Joshua, who was looking to become a three-time heavyweight champion, will now face major questions about his future in the sport. The 34-year-old has now suffered four defeats in 32 fights, with this latest setback adding to losses against Andy Ruiz and Oleksandr Usyk. His promoter, Eddie Hearn, has already hinted at the possibility of a rematch, but acknowledged that Joshua will need time to recover both physically and mentally.
The dramatic encounter saw both fighters look for an early advantage. Dubois’ punishing right hand sent Joshua crashing to the canvas in the first round, with only the bell saving the former champion. Round two saw Joshua in survival mode, but Dubois continued to land powerful shots, including a vicious left hook in round three that buckled Joshua’s legs.
Despite some moments of resistance from Joshua in the fourth and fifth rounds, Dubois closed the show with successive right hands that left Joshua unable to beat the count. As Dubois celebrated the biggest victory of his career, the win put him in contention for a potential shot at becoming undisputed heavyweight champion, with future showdowns against Tyson Fury or Usyk on the horizon.
Joshua, for his part, hinted at continuing his career, stating, “Before I came here, I always say to myself I’m a fighter for life. You keep rolling the dice.” However, his path to redemption will require deep reflection after this devastating loss.
