Anthony Joshua is one a journey to climb back to the elite position following his fall, a win against Daniel Dubois will make a statement to other fighters that he still has what he takes to be feared, but a loss can tell a different story.
Anthony Joshua’s path in the heavyweight title division has been a story of high and low. He was once the undisputed king of the division as the former heavyweight champion reigned supreme as the IBF, WBA, and WBO champion.
However, he was dethroned following a back-to-back defeats to Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk in 2021 and 2022 knocked him off the radar which left a huge question about his future in the game.
As Joshua prepares for a showdown with Daniel Dubois on September 21 at Wembley Stadium for the IBF heavyweight title, Joshua is on a mission to reclaim his former glory and cement his legacy as one of the greats in heavyweight boxing.
The Fall: Consecutive defeats to Usyk
Joshua’s fall start in 2021 when he was defeated by Oleksandr Usyk in the ring. The loss was a shock to many, as Joshua had been seen as one of the most dominant heavyweights of his generation.
The rematch in 2022 offered Joshua a chance to reclaim his title , but once again, Usyk proved too much, outboxing Joshua in a fight.
Following the defeat that led to his fall critics questioned his mentality, his style, and whether he still had the fierce that once made him the face of heavyweight boxing.
Road to Redemption: Climbing the Ranks Again
After the defeat to Usyk, Joshua returned to the ring in 2023 with a points win over Jermaine Franklin, a fight that brought his confidence though the win was not too convincing.
However, he followed that performance with more decisive victories, defeating Robert Helenius and Otto Wallin in successive fight later that year.
Earlier this year Joshua made headline after he knocked out Francis Ngannou.
While Ngannou is a former UFC champion with limited boxing experience, his recent ten-round fight with Tyson Fury had made him a respectable challenge.
Joshua’s ability to knock him out in just two rounds demonstrated the former heavyweight champion still has a lot left in him.
A Chance at Redemption
Now, Joshua faces Daniel Dubois, a young and hungry fighter looking to make headway in the heavyweight division.
For Joshua, this fight isn’t just about reclaiming the IBF heavyweight title, vacated by Usyk—it’s about proving that he still belongs among the elite in the heavyweight ranks. Dubois, who has been upgraded from IBF interim champion to full champion, is no pushover, having recently halted Filip Hrgovic to solidify his status as a legitimate threat.
Victory over Dubois would not only add another title to Joshua’s collection but prove that he has what it takes to move to the top.
It would prove that, despite the setbacks, Joshua is still a man to be feared. Furthermore, it would put him back in the conversation for a potential clash with Tyson Fury or Deontay Wilder, two of the biggest names in the sport and opponents who would further define Joshua’s legacy.
Legacy on the Line
For Joshua, the Dubois fight is a crucial moment in his career. The fight will go along way on his career of Joshua as win against Dubois could set him up for one more run at heavyweight dominance, while a loss would raise serious doubts about his ability to remain competitive at the highest level.
Joshua’s road to redemption is not just about reclaiming a title—it’s about making a statement in the heavyweight division. A victory over Dubois would mark the culmination of a long and difficult journey back to the top and reaffirm his status as one of the sport’s great champions.
With everything on the line, Joshua knows that this is more than just another fight—it’s a defining moment in his career. Can he reclaim his former glory? The answer will come on September 21, and the world will be watching.
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