Former boxing world champion Anthony Joshua missed the chance to return to the heavyweight world title after a spectacular knockout defeat to fellow Briton Daniel Dubois. Dubois won in front of 96,000 spectators at London’s Wembley Stadium by knockout in the fifth round, after having already sent Joshua to the ring floor several times.
Rematch apparently possible
Dubois defended his belt as champion of the IBF world association with a right hook. For the 27-year-old, it was the biggest victory of his career so far in his 24th professional fight. The 34-year-old Joshua suffered his fourth defeat in his 32nd fight, but hinted at a continuation of his career and a clause for a possible rematch against Dubois.
“Before I came here, I told myself that I was a fighter for life,” explained Joshua. The Olympic champion at the 2012 Games in London has had some great fights in his career, including defeating Wladimir Klitschko at Wembley Stadium in 2017. A win against Dubois would have made him world champion for the third time.
Usyk had relinquished his IBF title
Dubois survived a number of strikes from Joshua in the fifth round before landing the decisive counterattack of his own. The 27-year-old confirmed his status as IBF titleholder after regular world champion Oleksander Usyk of Ukraine relinquished that belt.
“Aren’t you entertained?” the euphoric local hero Dubois shouted to the audience after his victory. “I am a gladiator. I am a warrior to the bitter end. I want to reach the highest level of this sport and reach my potential.”
Before the duel, Oasis singer Liam Gallagher had heated up the atmosphere in the stadium.
© dpa-infocom, dpa:240922-930-239552/1
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