From the opening bell, the 27-year-old champion asserted his dominance, flooring the previous two-time heavyweight titleholder on a number of events.Dubois had beforehand expressed his resolve to “legitimise” his reign as IBF champion, having been awarded the title vacated by Oleksandr Usyk in June.
The challenger’s highly effective efficiency raises severe doubts about Joshua’s boxing future, though his promoter, Eddie Hearn, indicated that he anticipates Joshua will search a rematch.
Regardless of getting into the battle because the underdog, Dubois relentlessly pursued his famend opponent from the outset, along with his heavy punches visibly affecting the 2012 London Olympic champion all through the competition.
In a gripping fifth spherical crammed with intense motion, Dubois landed the fight-ending punch, having weathered some regarding moments himself as Joshua lastly discovered his rhythm.
The victory solidifies Dubois’ place as a formidable drive within the heavyweight division.
“Are you not entertained?” he mentioned, talking to DAZN after the largest win of his 24-fight profession. It has been a journey and I am grateful to be on this place. I am a gladiator, I am a warrior till the bitter finish. I need to get to the highest of this sport and attain my full potential.”
(Reuters Photograph)
Earlier than the explosive fireworks show over Wembley, Liam Gallagher of Oasis energized the keen viewers with a three-song stay efficiency.
In an exciting opening spherical, the British opponents clashed, culminating in Joshua being rescued by the bell after being knocked down by a vicious overhand proper.
Joshua, weighing 1.8 kilograms greater than his youthful rival, was in full survival mode within the second spherical. Dubois floored him once more within the third spherical with a left hook that brought on his legs to present method.
Following a standing eight rely, the bell rang, and because the fourth spherical commenced, Joshua hit the canvas for the third time, regardless of his objection that it was not a legitimate knockdown.
The fifth spherical was action-packed, with Dubois briefly surprised by two proper arms. As Joshua tried to capitalize on the scenario, he was caught by consecutive proper arms and located himself on the canvas as soon as extra, this time unable to beat the rely.
Each boxers stepped into the ring with the objective of securing an opportunity to face Tyson Fury or Usyk for the undisputed world championship.
Usyk achieved a historic feat in Might by turning into the primary boxer to carry all 4 main heavyweight titles concurrently, together with the IBF, WBO, WBC, and WBA belts, after defeating Tyson Fury.
As an alternative of going through the necessary IBF challenger, Dubois, Usyk opted for a rematch with Fury. Dubois received the interim IBF title in June and was elevated to world champion standing when Usyk vacated the belt.
Joshua had aspirations of becoming a member of the distinguished group of three-time heavyweight champions, which incorporates legendary figures resembling Muhammad Ali, Lennox Lewis, and Evander Holyfield. Nevertheless, Joshua’s profession took a big hit after struggling defeats in opposition to Andy Ruiz in 2019 and two subsequent losses to Usyk.
Regardless of bouncing again with 4 consecutive victories, Joshua aimed to reclaim his place on the prime of the heavyweight division.
Following his devastating loss to Dubois at Wembley, which marked his fourth defeat in 32 skilled bouts, Joshua steered he would proceed his boxing profession, however the setback will undoubtedly require introspection and cautious consideration of his future within the sport.
“We got here up quick as a workforce,” he mentioned. “You recognize I am able to kick off within the ring however I’ll maintain it respectful. Earlier than I got here right here, I all the time say to myself I am a fighter for all times. You retain rolling the cube. I had a quick and sharp opponent, plenty of errors from my finish.”
