By Abu Mahmood: In boxing, legacy is important. What do fans remember about the fighter, their achievements, and most importantly, how they were treated each time they entered the sacred boxing ring?
In the heavyweight division, every punch is thrown with bad intentions. Each punch can spell the match for an opponent. When the dust settles, spectators often look over to see one person raising their arms in victory and the sounds of cheering on the field while in the opposite corner, the defeated player is faced with the thought of having to return to the mountain. for another shot at glory, honor and the title of “Greatest of All Time”.
On September 21st, we will see two tag team champions face off in a battle that will have an impact on the heavyweight division. Anthony Joshua (28–3-0, 25 KOs) will face IBF world heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois (21-2-0, 20KOs) for a chance to call himself a three-time world champion and put in a third shot. and take down the elusive and elusive general Oleksandr Usyk (22-0-0, 14 KOs).
Daniel Dubois faces his biggest challenge in Anthony Joshua. Dubois was promoted to world champion on June 26. For many, this challenge will strengthen his claim to the title of “world champion” while allowing him to correct a mistake he believes occurred in his fight with Oleksandr Usyk.
For Joshua, the chance to become world champion again and challenge Usyk for the undisputed title. For Dubois, it’s a chance to show everyone what he can do and prove he’s a god. For the fans, it’s a guaranteed fight that will have everyone on the edge of their seats.
Joshua is a unique fighter who has knocked down many of his opponents in the ring en route to a knockout victory. Dubois, a very cautious fighter, has a jab similar to Sonny Liston. Both men are at important stages in their respective careers.
So why does this war have such a big impact on division?
World Champion:
Anthony Joshua enters this fight as a contender. He has rebuilt since his last loss to Usyk on August 20, 2022 with 4 straight wins over Jermaine Franklin, Robert Helenius, Otto Wallin, and most recently, Francis Ngannou. Joshua, aged 34, has had his share of struggles in the past with taunts from opponents he can’t technically beat. The teasing he said was in his head when he fought Oleksandr Usyk.
Joshua has been rebuilding systematically with new coach Ben Davison. This act allowed him to join the world’s only race. Joshua enters this fight against Daniel Dubois as the favorite, due to his experience in big fights.
Anthony Joshua knows that winning this fight will allow him to become a three-time world champion and start big fights like the trilogy against Oleksandr Usyk or the Battle of Britain fight against Tyson Fury (34-1-1, 24 KOs)
Daniel Dubois enters this fight as a self-proclaimed world champion in the eyes of many. Although he has been promoted to the position of full champion of the IBF, this will be his home in the eyes of the fans.
Dubois also fought Usyk, which had an argument during the fight but was eventually defeated by Dubois.
Dubois comes into this fight without as much experience as his opponent and still has a lot to lose. He is a younger fighter by 8 years and has not been in as many fights as his opponent. For Dubois winning this fight will allow him to usher in a new era in the heavyweight division, especially the future of British boxers in this division. A win here propels him to stardom and a chance to prove he’s at the top.
Career trajectory:
Anthony Joshua goes into this fight at a stage in his career where a loss could force him to retire permanently. At the time, one would have wondered if Joshua would retire. After spending 2 years rebuilding and changing coaches, Joshua has one last chance to show that he is still the same person who put together a big part between 2016 and 2019 as world champion.
Daniel Dubois has yet to prove himself against a top-level opponent. A loss here will put him in the category of boxers who can’t keep up with the “big boys” of this division. Losses to Joe Joyce and Oleksandr Usyk have already set his career back twice. Although he is 26 years old, one would still question how much motivation he can have after losing at this stage.
Both boxers are at different stages of their careers. Dubois, the newly crowned world champion and Joshua, a veteran of the sport who wants to get his wings right and stand on top of the mountain again.
This writer compares Joshua vs Klitschko where an older Klitschko was taken apart by a younger, more aggressive fighter.
On September 21st, expect a fight where the deciding factor is not power or experience but rather, which fighter is willing to continue.
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