Daniel Dubois stunned Anthony Joshua with a fifth-round knockout at Wembley Stadium, derailing Joshua’s bid for a third heavyweight title. Dubois, who floored Joshua four times before delivering the final blow, now positions himself as a top contender for the undisputed heavyweight crown, while Joshua faces an uncertain future after his most crushing defeat yet.
In a night that can not be forgotten easily heavyweight boxer Daniel Dubois delivered a massive defeat to former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, knocking him out in the fifth round at Wembley Stadium.
Most people expected a victorious return to world championship status from Joshua, instead it became a nightmare as he was floored by Dubois four times, he gave up in the fifth round of the match after a heavy knockout.
Joshua’s hopes of becoming a three-time world heavyweight champion were shattered right in his eyes, while Dubois’ victory elevated him to the forefront of the division, creating new possibilities in the heavyweight landscape.
A Night to Forget for Joshua
Joshua was the favourite before the fight following his previous match against Francis Ngannou earlier in the year.
Dubois, aggressiveness mounted pressure Joshua right from the start, landing his first significant blow late in Round 1—a right hand that sent Joshua to the canvas for the first time. The bell saved Joshua, but the tone of the fight had already been set.
In Round 3, Joshua was floored again, this time after missing a right hand and eating a counter left hook from Dubois. His legs betrayed him as he staggered and fell, and though he beat the count, the damage was visible.
Round 4 was more terrible for Joshua, with Joshua fell yet again after another massive punches from Dubois.
By Round 5, the writing was on the wall, and Dubois delivered the final blow—a right hand to the jaw that left Joshua crumpled on the canvas, unable to continue.
The defeat was not only Joshua’s fourth as a professional but perhaps his most damaging, both physically and reputationally. The former champion, who once held the WBA, IBF, and WBO titles, now finds himself at a career crossroads.
Joshua’s Legacy in Doubt
At 34, Joshua’s options are limited. This defeat has put the hopes of a long-rumored mega-fight with Tyson Fury in serious doubt, as the British boxer stock has significantly fallen.
Despite being one of the most marketable and recognizable names in the sport, Joshua’s vulnerabilities have been exposed too often in recent years. His losses to Andy Ruiz Jr., Oleksandr Usyk (twice), and now Dubois paint a picture of a fighter who, while once dominant, has struggled to maintain his position among the heavyweight elite.
What’s next for Joshua? A potential rematch with Dubois could be on the table, though he may first opt for a confidence-boosting fight against a lower-ranked contender. Another possibility is a showdown with the loser of the upcoming Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury clash on December 21. However, after such a brutal defeat, Joshua must consider whether he can still compete at the highest level, or if it’s time to contemplate retirement.
Dubois’ Redemption and Rise
For Dubois, this victory is the crowning achievement of a career that many believed was on a downturn following his 2023 defeat to Usyk. That loss, which came via a ninth-round stoppage, had cast doubts on Dubois’ ability to compete with the top names in the division. However, his subsequent stoppage victories over Jarrell Miller and Filip Hrgovic showed he was determined to climb back to the top, and his victory over Joshua solidifies him as a legitimate heavyweight force.
Dubois now finds himself in prime position for a shot at the undisputed heavyweight crown in 2025. With the WBC, WBA, and WBO titles currently held by Oleksandr Usyk and the IBF belt recently vacated by Usyk and claimed by Dubois, a unification bout between Dubois and the winner of Usyk vs. Fury is an exciting possibility.
When asked who he wants next, Dubois was clear: “All of the best, maybe Usyk, a big shot at my redemption, but anyone can get it.” With his newfound confidence, Dubois is eager to avenge his loss to Usyk, but even a showdown with Fury would be a blockbuster event that could determine the future king of the heavyweight division.
A Shaken Heavyweight Division
The heavyweight division has been reignited by Dubois’ upset victory, creating an exciting and unpredictable landscape. While Usyk and Fury remain at the top, Dubois’ emergence as a dangerous contender adds a fresh energy to the title picture. Fans now eagerly await the outcome of Usyk vs. Fury in December, which will set the stage for a potential undisputed championship fight in 2025.
Meanwhile, Joshua’s loss disrupts any plans for a superfight with Fury and raises questions about his place in the division. The former champion, who once seemed destined for a reign of dominance, now faces an uphill battle to reclaim his position among the heavyweight elite.
However, Daniel Dubois’ victory over Anthony Joshua marks a turning point in both fighters’ careers and the heavyweight division as a whole. For Dubois, it’s a career-defining win that positions him for a shot at heavyweight supremacy.
For Joshua, it’s a disappointing setback that could spell the end of his time at the top of the sport. As the heavyweight division continues to evolve, the focus now shifts to the looming clash between Usyk and Fury, and whether Dubois can take the final step toward becoming the undisputed champion of the world.
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