It’s a big night at Wembley Stadium as Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois, prepare to go head-to-head. Joshua, the former unified heavyweight champion, is looking to solidify his comeback after a string of wins, while Dubois is aiming to establish himself as the next big name in boxing’s prime division. Both fighters have a lot at stake, and with the heavyweight scene buzzing following Tyson Fury’s earlier bouts with Oleksandr Usyk, the outcome of this fight could shape the division for years to come.

As fans count down to the December 21 rematch between Fury and Usyk, the September 21 showdown between Joshua and Dubois feels like a prelude, setting the tone for the sport’s future.

Both fighters bring unique strengths to the ring, and with the added spectacle of Riyadh Season backing the event, excitement is at an all-time high.

Anthony Joshua vs. Daniel Dubois: The Physical Matchup

At 34 years old, Anthony Joshua is the more seasoned fighter, with a career that includes an Olympic gold medal and victories against top names in the heavyweight division. Standing at 6 feet 6 inches (198 cm), he has a slight height advantage over the 27-year-old Dubois, who stands at 6 feet 5 inches (196 cm). Joshua also boasts a longer reach—82 inches (208 cm) compared to Dubois’ 78 inches (198 cm)—which could play a crucial role in dictating the distance in the fight.

Both fighters are known for their knockout power, with Joshua having secured 90% of his 28 victories via stoppage. Dubois, however, holds an even higher knockout rate, with 20 of his 21 wins ending early, giving him an impressive 95% KO ratio. Despite his relatively young age, Dubois has already earned a reputation as a heavy hitter, and he’ll be looking to put that power to use against the more experienced Joshua.

The Mental Game: Experience vs. Youth

While Dubois may have the youthful energy and potential on his side, Joshua’s experience in big-fight environments like Wembley gives him a mental edge. With nearly 90,000 spectators expected to be in attendance, the pressure will be immense, and Joshua is no stranger to high-stakes matches. He’s faced adversity before, including back-to-back losses to Usyk, but has since bounced back with decisive victories, such as his unanimous decision win over Jermaine Franklin earlier this year.

Dubois, on the other hand, has shown resilience in his career as well. After a tough knockout loss to Joe Joyce in 2020, he worked diligently to improve his game, culminating in recent wins over Jarrell Miller and Filip Hrgovic. However, Dubois’ lack of experience on such a grand stage might be a concern, and he’ll need to stay composed to avoid being overwhelmed by the occasion.

Tactical Breakdown: How Joshua and Dubois Could Approach the Fight

Both fighters are known for their aggressive, knockout-seeking styles, so fans can expect fireworks from the opening bell. Joshua, as a classic boxer-puncher, may look to control the fight from the outside, using his jab to set up his powerful right hand. His longer reach gives him an advantage in this regard, and he’ll likely aim to keep Dubois at bay and land heavy combinations as the fight progresses.

 

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Dubois, on the other hand, will need to find ways to close the distance and fight on the inside. Known for his willingness to engage in close quarters, Dubois could try to smother Joshua’s attack by staying in the pocket and throwing powerful hooks and uppercuts. His best chance might be to adopt a stick-and-move strategy, using his footwork to keep Joshua off balance and land counters when opportunities arise.

One key factor will be Dubois’ ability to withstand Joshua’s power and remain mobile. If he can avoid getting drawn into a slugfest and use his speed to move around the ring, he could frustrate Joshua and open up opportunities for counterpunching. Body shots could also be an effective tool for Dubois, as targeting Joshua’s midsection could slow him down over the later rounds.

The Corners: Ben Davison’s Influence on Anthony Joshua

Joshua has been working with Ben Davison, one of the most respected trainers in boxing, and the partnership has already started to yield results.

Under Davison’s guidance, Joshua has refined his approach, focusing more on movement and defense while still retaining his knockout power. This tactical evolution could prove crucial against a fighter like Dubois, who relies heavily on his offensive capabilities.

 

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For Dubois, the challenge will be to stick to his game plan and not let the magnitude of the event or Joshua’s experience dictate the pace. If he can stay composed and execute his strategy, he could surprise many and pull off a major upset.

Will Dubois Stage an Upset?

As the fight approaches, most pundits still favor Joshua to come out on top. His experience, reach, and knockout power make him the safer bet in many eyes. However, Dubois’ power, youth, and determination should not be underestimated.

He’s shown steady improvement since his last defeat, and with each fight, he has looked more confident and composed.

Ultimately, the fight’s outcome could depend on how well Dubois handles the pressure of a massive event like this.

 

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If he can rise to the occasion and deliver a disciplined performance, he has the potential to shock the world and carve out his own legacy in the heavyweight division.

But Joshua, with his wealth of experience and renewed confidence, won’t go down without a fight. Fans are in for an exhilarating night at Wembley as two of Britain’s finest heavyweights collide. Will Joshua reclaim his place among boxing’s elite, or will Dubois prove that the future belongs to the next generation?