IBF world heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois looks set to enter his showdown against Anthony Joshua at Wembley Stadium with a different approach on September 14.
The 26-year-old comes off a career-defining victory over previously unbeaten contender Filip Hrgovic, impressively halting the heavy-handed Croatian in the eighth round.
After claiming the IBF interim title, Daniel Dubois was then awarded the full championship status when Oleksandr Usyk relinquished the belt following his win over Tyson Fury for the undisputed crown.
So now, with his career seemingly back on track, Dubois looks to not only cement his position as a world champion, but also add Anthony Joshua’s name to his resume.
Daniel Dubois opens up about responding to Oleksandr Usyk and Joe Joyce setbacks
During their intense Face Off on DAZN, Dubois and Joshua exchanged verbal blows before driving each other to the brink of a full-blown brawl.
But, as the conversation drifted towards the topic of Dubois’ two professional losses against Usyk and Joe Joyce, the Brit responded without hesitation.
He said: “I was in a dark place and I was going through some stuff, but I feel like I’ve been resurrected now and, you know, I’m in the light again and I’m ready to fight.
“He’s been the king for a while; he’s been the king for a long time, in fact. But you know what? I feel like it’s my time and I’m a king slayer.”
What changes has Anthony Joshua made since losing to Oleksandr Usyk?
For his last three contests, Dubois has worked under the tutelage of trainer Don Charles, and the significant improvements he has made in recent years can largely be attributed to their flourishing partnership.
Joshua, too, has made several amendments to his camp, most notably calling upon the services of Fury’s former head coach, Ben Davison, following his second defeat to Usyk in back in 2022.
| Opponent | Number of Rounds | Method of Victory |
| Jermaine Franklin Jr | 12 | Points |
| Robert Helenius | 7 | Stoppage |
| Otto Wallin | 5 | Stoppage |
| Francis Ngannou | 2 | Stoppage |
Since linking up with Davison, the 34-year-old has almost halved the duration of each fight.
Yet one would suspect that, against Dubois, who has proved his durability in recent performances, Joshua will be preparing for a longer outing.
Social description: Daniel Dubois and Anthony Joshua have both made several significant changes since losing to Oleksandr Usyk.