On September 21, 2024, the boxing world witnessed Daniel Dubois knocking out Anthony Joshua at Wembley Stadium, solidifying his status as the IBF heavyweight champion. With this thunderous fifth-round knockout, Dubois not only secured his title but also showcased his potential as one of boxing’s future stars.
The eagerly awaited bout drew nearly 96,000 fans, setting the stage for what was billed as one of the defining moments of both fighters’ careers. From the onset of the match, Dubois displayed confidence and aggression, establishing himself early with effective jabs and powerful punches. Under the bright lights of Wembley, he made it clear to both Joshua and the audience: he was not to be underestimated.
Dubois wasted no time as he surged forward, putting pressure on Joshua and landing jabs with precision. During the first round, he executed a well-timed overhand right, flooring Joshua. The massive crowd gasped as Joshua managed to rise to his feet, visibly shaken but determined, bravely finishing the round. Dubois capitalized once more by dominating the second, pushing Joshua onto the ropes and landing hard punches, leaving Joshua holding on for survival.
Round three continued the tale of Dubois’s dominance. After another impressive display of power wherein Joshua was knocked down yet again, the tide shifted dramatically. Dubois displayed not just force but swift footwork and tactical intelligence, managing to outmaneuver the veteran boxer. Many observers noted how easily Dubois penetrated Joshua’s defense, delivering blows with surprising ease.
Reeling from the barrage of punches, Joshua’s corner contemplated throwing in the towel. He managed to keep his composure, but there was no denying the toll the fight was taking on him. Reflecting on the fight, Joshua remarked, “I had a sharp opponent and a fast opponent. But a lot of the mistakes were mine.” His appreciation for Dubois’s talent was evident, yet the frustration of repeatedly being on the receiving end of powerful shots was clear.
Dubois came out swinging again at the beginning of the fifth round, and within mere seconds, he landed another punishing right hook. Joshua fell face-first to the canvas, prompting the referee to end the fight. The cheers from Dubois’s supporters echoed throughout Wembley as they celebrated his victory, chanting his name as if to herald the rise of a new heavyweight legend.
“Are you not entertained?” Dubois exclaimed, exulting after the fight and clearly enjoying the moment. This was no small feat—he had conquered one of boxing’s biggest stars, merging his name with those of heavyweight greats.
This match also marked Joshua’s fourth loss in his last five bouts, raising questions about his future. Joshua, who was once viewed as the undisputed champion of heavyweight boxing, had become somewhat of the underdog in this fight. His promoter Eddie Hearn indicated plans to utilize the rematch clause, but skepticism loomed large as to whether Joshua could mount a comeback against Dubois should they meet again.
Post-fight conversations centered on Dubois’s next steps. With impressive wins over past contenders like Jarrell Miller and Filip Hrgović prior to this fight, his victory over Joshua set the stage for potential showdowns against the winners of upcoming bouts between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury.
After the victory, Dubois expressed his eagerness to face the winner of the anticipated fight scheduled for December 21 between Usyk and Fury. “This is my time, my redemption story,” Dubois stated emphatically, expounding on his desire to climb higher within the ranks of boxing’s elite and earn respect and recognition.
Fighters, trainers, and analysts alike have begun to speculate on Dubois’s bright future as he stands tall as the new IBF heavyweight champion, dramatically reshaping his legacy through this major win. He emphasized his want to aim for mountainous challenges. “I’m ready to go to the top level of this game,” he declared.
This match represented much more than just another fight— it was about validation and reclaiming honor within the heavyweight division. With Dubois on the rise and Joshua at the crossroads, this fight could very well signal the changing of the guard, one with fresh narratives as both boxers ponder their future within the sport.
