Dubois currently holds the belt but this is his first fight as world champion, having been elevated to the position after Oleksandr Usyk vacated the title in June as a “gift” to the two British fighters who had won, choosing to move on. rematch against Tyson Fury instead of fulfilling his mandatory obligations.
However, Joshua, who goes into this highly-anticipated bout is the favorite as he bids to become a three-time world champion in his first fight at Wembley in six years.
The 34-year-old seems to have returned with confidence in and out of the ring, having lost after surprising Andy Ruiz in 2019 and losing twice to Usyk. Joshua now has the opportunity to reclaim the IBF world title, and take a big step towards his potential undisputed capture.
The rebuild since Usyk’s loss has been impressive and growing in confidence, starting with victories over Jermaine Franklin and Robert Helenius, before Otto Wallin and Francis Ngannou were dispatched in brutal fashion.
Joshua faced a British friend for the first time since defeating Dillian Whyte in 2015, with Dubois man on the other side of the ring in what is expected to be a red-hot atmosphere, with as many as 96,000 in attendance.
Dubois has also lost to Usyk, last year in controversial circumstances, but bounced back to beat Jarrell Miller and most recently Filip Hrgovic, for the interim IBF title. He answered any question that was in his heart in the two performances, even though both were condemning.
The 27-year-old is now making his first full title defense against Joshua, with the champion in line to face Usyk or Fury next year for all heavyweight belts.
Showdown: Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois will collide in the big showdown at Wembley
Bradley Collyer / PA Wire
Joshua vs Dubois date, start time, venue and ring run
The Riyadh Season event is scheduled for Saturday, September 21, 2024 and will take place at Wembley Stadium in London.
The card starts at around 16:00 BST, with the ring running for the main event to come at 11:00, depending on how long the night’s matches are.
How to watch Joshua vs. Dubois
TV channels and live broadcasts: Joshua vs Dubois will be shown live in the UK via pay-per-view services DAZN, Sky Sports Box Office and TNT Sports Box Office.
DAZN has announced that the card is available to buy for £19.99, which includes a free seven-day trial to the platform.
Sky Sports charges £19.95, where coverage starts at 4pm. It will cost £19.99 on TNT Sports, which will also start broadcasting at 4pm.
Live blog: You will be able to follow all the live cards at night with Standard sport war blog.
Joshua vs. Dubois fight card / undercard in full
Anthony Joshua vs. Daniel Dubois
Tyler Denny vs Hamzah Sheeraz
Anthony Cacace vs Josh Warrington
Joshua Buatsi vs Willy Hutchinson
Josh Kelly vs Ishmael Davis
Mark Chamberlain vs Josh Padley
Return: Josh Warrington is among those fighting on the undercard
Getty Images
Joshua vs Dubois purse fight
Confirmation of the war wallet has not been given officially.
Reports suggest that Dubois will take home a guaranteed £3.5m, with Joshua set to earn £6m.
Those numbers could rise significantly for both fighters, depending on pay-per-view sales.
Prediction Joshua vs. Dubois
Joshua has won four fights in a row since the two defeats against Usyk and has looked impressive doing so, with trainer Ben Davison having a positive impact in bringing back a more aggressive style.
Francis Ngannou and Otto Wallin have been eliminated, but this is now the step and the power that Dubois has will test Joshua’s renewed confidence, and how much he is willing to risk getting hurt to impose himself and take responsibility.
Dubois, meanwhile, must rise to the occasion, with this being the biggest match of his career. He performed well against Usyk, although he couldn’t capitalize on his advantage after the below-the-belt punch controversy, and Hrgovic, although he took a lot of punishment in that match and certainly couldn’t do it here.
The history books show that an explosive fight is on the cards, only one of the pros Dubois will score points and Joshua has won just one fight in 12 rounds since 2019. He has shown that he is at his best when he uses his natural power. to try and get the job done early.
This makes for an exciting contest but Joshua has the experience and looks the rookie under Davison. He can get the job done here, and set the stage for a mega fight with Fury or even a third contest against Usyk in 2025.
Joshua won by knockout, round eight.
Joshua vs. Dubois weigh-ins
The fighters took to the scales in Trafalgar Square on Friday evening.
Dubois tipped the scales at a career-high 248.6lbs, with Joshua the bigger man at 252.5lbs.
Joshua vs Dubois betting odds
Joshua wins by knockout or TKO: 1/2
Joshua to win on points: 11/2
Dubois wins by knockout or TKO: 9/2
Dubois wins on points: 12/1
Odds via Betfred (subject to change).