Daniel Dubois dethroned Anthony Joshua in a devastating five-round bout, cementing his place as the new heavyweight champion at Wembley Stadium. The 27-year-old from Greenwich silenced his critics and proved his worth in front of a record-breaking crowd of 96,000 spectators.
Dubois, who had been labelled a “paper champion” after inheriting the IBF belt from Oleksandr Usyk, lived up to his self-proclaimed title of “king slayer.” The young challenger’s fearless approach and raw determination were too much for Joshua, who found himself on the canvas four times before the fight was called.
This victory marks a significant milestone in Dubois’ career, validating years of rigorous training and unwavering belief from his supporters. His journey to the top began at the tender age of five when his father, Stan, introduced him to the world of boxing. Despite facing setbacks, including losses to Joe Joyce and Oleksandr Usyk, Dubois persevered, silencing those who had prematurely called for his retirement.
The fight night, part of the Saudi-backed ‘Riyadh Season’ event, was a spectacle unlike any other in British boxing history. The week leading up to the bout saw unprecedented promotional activities, transforming London into a boxing mecca. From a Hollywood-style grand arrival in Leicester Square to a weigh-in at Trafalgar Square, the event showcased the growing influence of Saudi Arabia in the sport.
For Joshua, this defeat marks a crossroads in his illustrious career. The former champion, who was seeking to reclaim his title and become a three-time world champion, now faces uncertain prospects. While he expressed a desire to continue fighting, questions linger about his future in the heavyweight division.
The implications of this upset extend beyond the two fighters. Dubois’ victory sets the stage for a potential unification bout against the winner of the upcoming Tyson Fury-Oleksandr Usyk rematch. Such a matchup could lead to another undisputed heavyweight champion, a rarity in the sport’s history.
However, the event also highlighted the changing landscape of boxing promotion. The heavy involvement of Saudi Arabia, while bringing unprecedented investment and spectacle to the sport, raises questions about the future of big fights in traditional boxing strongholds like Britain.
As the dust settles on this monumental night, the boxing world looks ahead with both excitement and uncertainty. Dubois’ rise to the top adds a fresh dynamic to the heavyweight division, while Joshua’s defeat reshuffles the deck among the sport’s elite.
In the end, Daniel Dubois’ victory at Wembley Stadium will be remembered as more than just a championship win. It represents a changing of the guard in heavyweight boxing and signals the arrival of a new era in the sport’s most prestigious division.(BBC)