The news of Wembley Stadium being sold out for the IBF heavyweight title fight between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois on September 21st has undoubtedly sent shockwaves through the boxing world. While Joshua is no stranger to performing in front of capacity crowds at Wembley, the situation is quite different for Dubois. This will only be his second time stepping into the ring at the famed stadium, with his first appearance resulting in a stoppage victory over Richard Harrison in 2019.
Joshua, a former world titlist, has a stellar record at Wembley, having defeated the likes of Wladimir Klitschko, Kubrat Pulev, Alexander Povetkin, and Matt Legg at the iconic venue. On the other hand, Dubois, despite only having lost to Oleksandr Usyk and Joe Joyce, is still considered a hungry contender in the division. His recent victories over the previously undefeated Jarrell Miller and Filip Hrgovic have established him as a force to be reckoned with in the heavyweight landscape.
As the fight approaches, both Joshua and Dubois are fully aware of the stakes involved. Dubois has made it clear that his aim is to dethrone the long-reigning king of the division in Joshua. Sky Sports quoted Dubois stating, “I’m just aiming to be the best, to fight the best and beat the best. AJ has been the king for a long time, and we all know it, so on the night I need to become a king-slayer.” Joshua, on the other hand, acknowledges the threat that Dubois poses, emphasizing that they are both part of a competitive landscape where only the strongest survive.
Resilience in the Face of Defeat
While both fighters have tasted defeat in their careers, they have demonstrated the ability to bounce back stronger. Joshua’s loss to Andy Ruiz was followed by a redemption victory in the rematch, while his defeat to Usyk only served as a learning experience. Similarly, Dubois has shown resilience in coming back from setbacks and has expressed his readiness and determination to face Joshua in what promises to be a thrilling encounter.
The fact that Wembley Stadium has sold out for this much-anticipated clash speaks volumes about the interest and excitement surrounding the fight. Fans are eager to witness two heavyweight contenders go head-to-head in a battle for supremacy, with the outcome hanging in the balance. As the date draws near, the buzz and anticipation continue to escalate, setting the stage for a memorable night of boxing action.