Anthony Joshua vs Daniel Dubois now ‘in talks’ for September 21 fight at Wembley Stadium, reveals Frank Warren

Daniel Dubois Emerges as Anthony Joshua’s Next Challenger After Zhilei Zhang’s Upset Victory

In a surprising turn of events, Deontay Wilder’s anticipated clash with Anthony Joshua was abruptly derailed by Zhilei Zhang’s spectacular victory, leaving the boxing world in awe. However, as one door closed, another opened, leading Joshua to consider his next formidable opponent.

The spotlight shifted to the winner of the other heavyweight showdown on the card, where Daniel Dubois showcased his resilience and skill to claim the IBF ‘interim’ belt. Dubois faced a formidable challenge in Filip Hrgovic, enduring a relentless onslaught before emerging victorious due to cuts, positioning himself as the prime candidate for a showdown with Joshua.

The fate of the IBF title hangs in the balance, contingent upon the organization’s ruling regarding Oleksandr Usyk’s request for an exemption to prioritize his rematch with Tyson Fury over his mandatory challenger. Should the IBF accede to Usyk’s plea, Dubois stands poised to ascend to the full IBF heavyweight world title, further solidifying his credentials as a top contender.

Frank Warren, Dubois’s promoter, expressed optimism about negotiations for the Joshua-Dubois bout, hinting at a potential autumn showdown. Warren underscored Dubois’s transformation from a fighter plagued by doubts following defeats to Usyk and Joe Joyce to a resilient force in the heavyweight division, citing victories over Kevin Lerena, Jarrell Miller, and now Hrgovic.

Reflecting on Dubois’s recent triumph, Warren emphasized his fighter’s ability to weather early adversity and seize control of the bout with his commanding jab. Despite facing precarious moments, Dubois showcased his mettle and determination, leaving his opponent battered and on the brink of defeat.

With Dubois’s ascent, a clash with Joshua looms large, promising a showdown of titanic proportions between two formidable punchers. Warren expressed confidence in Dubois’s readiness for the challenge, highlighting his youth and burgeoning talent as indicative of the next wave of heavyweight contenders.

As discussions between the respective camps intensify, anticipation mounts for an official announcement regarding the eagerly anticipated Joshua-Dubois encounter. With both fighters eager to prove their mettle on the grand stage, boxing enthusiasts brace themselves for a seismic showdown that promises to captivate audiences worldwide.