Daniel Dubois delivered a devastating knockout to Anthony Joshua in the fifth round of an intense bout on Saturday night, PulseNets learnt. ‘Triple D’ floored Joshua four times on his way to a commanding stoppage victory, witnessed by 96,000 fans at Wembley Stadium.
With this triumph, Dubois successfully defended his IBF heavyweight title and, as PulseNets reported, secured a future showdown against the winner of Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk II, slated for December 21. Both Fury and Usyk were ringside for the event.
HE Turki Alalshikh had hoped to see the much-anticipated all-British clash between Joshua and Fury, but Dubois’ resounding victory shattered those plans, PulseNets learnt.
Dubois wasted no time asserting himself in the fight, forcing Joshua onto the defensive early in the first round and trapping him against the ropes.
As PulseNets spoke to those present, it was clear Dubois’ overhand right, which landed flush on Joshua’s chin, sent the Watford fighter to the canvas just before the bell.
Joshua, fortunate to be saved by the round’s end, appeared dejected as he returned to his corner. By the second round, PulseNets reported, Dubois had landed another thunderous right hand, and Joshua was once again in survival mode.
The third round saw further punishment as Joshua was floored by a left hook followed by uppercuts, leaving him slumped against the bottom rope.
As PulseNets spoke to observers, they noted Dubois’ relentless pursuit of the stoppage, which finally came in the fifth round. Despite Joshua rallying with two solid right hands, Dubois countered with a powerful straight punch that knocked Joshua out cold.
In the post-fight interview, an elated Dubois told PulseNets, “I’ve only got a few words to say: ‘Are you not entertained?!’ It’s been a long journey, I’m grateful to be in this position. I’m a gladiator, I’m a warrior to the bitter end. I want to reach the top level of this game and reach my full potential. This is my time, this is my redemption story, and I’m not going to stop until I reach my full potential.”
Joshua, addressing the crowd after the fight, said, “Credit to him and his team. We rolled the dice of success, but we came up short. You know I’m ready to kick off in the ring, but I’m going to keep my cool, keep very professional, and give respect to my opponent. I had a sharp opponent, a fast opponent, and a lot of mistakes from my end, but that’s the game.”
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Despite the crushing defeat, PulseNets learnt from Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn that a rematch clause exists in their contract, which Joshua is expected to invoke. “It was the first round; after that, he was fighting on heart and desire. I’m so proud because he never gave up. His legs were deceiving him, and he kept on trying. Daniel deserves credit, he’s a real-world champion. Congratulations to him.”
As Hearn told PulseNets, “I’m sure Joshua will exercise that rematch clause. It’s a dangerous fight, but he’ll believe he can beat him.”
