Anthony Joshua, once hailed as the face of British boxing, faced a significant career setback with two consecutive defeats to Oleksandr Usyk. These losses not only stripped him of his titles but also left him mentally shattered. The journey back to the top has been anything but easy for Joshua. His recovery has involved a series of carefully selected opponents aimed at rebuilding his confidence and public image. However, as he prepares to face Daniel Dubois, questions linger about whether he is truly ready for the challenge.
Joshua’s Downfall and Recovery
Joshua’s back-to-back losses to Usyk were a significant blow. Usyk, a highly skilled and technical fighter, exposed weaknesses in Joshua’s style. The second defeat was particularly devastating, leaving Joshua in a vulnerable state both mentally and physically. In the aftermath, Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, strategically selected four fringe opponents to help rebuild Joshua’s confidence and career. These fights, while victories, did little to challenge Joshua or prove that he had regained his former prowess.
The Revamp Strategy
Joshua’s last four opponents have been carefully chosen to ensure victories and restore his standing among fans. He faced a former UFC fighter with limited boxing experience and three journeymen, none of whom posed a real threat. This approach was intended to boost Joshua’s morale and give the impression of a strong comeback. However, critics argue that these victories do not demonstrate a significant improvement in Joshua’s skills or readiness to face top-tier opponents again.
The Challenge of Daniel Dubois
Daniel Dubois, at 26, represents a young and formidable challenge for Joshua. Dubois has shown significant promise and has faced tougher competition in his recent fights compared to Joshua. With a record of 21-2, including 20 knockouts, Dubois is a powerful puncher with the potential to trouble Joshua. His recent bouts against strong opponents like Filip Hrgovic and Jarrell Miller have prepared him well for a high-stakes fight.
Promoter Eddie Hearn has mentioned the possibility of the vacant IBF heavyweight title being on the line for this fight, adding another layer of significance. However, whether Hearn will proceed with Dubois as Joshua’s opponent without the IBF belt remains uncertain. This fight poses a substantial risk for Joshua, who needs to fight someone that will draw large crowds, potentially filling the 90,000 seats at Wembley Stadium.Expert Predictions and Analysis
Experts have mixed opinions on Joshua’s chances against Dubois. Ade Oladipo, a prominent boxing commentator, believes that while Dubois has the capability to defeat Joshua, he may not succeed. Oladipo points out that Dubois has demonstrated resilience and the ability to handle powerful shots in his recent fights, attributes that will be crucial against Joshua. However, he also notes that Joshua has the experience and tactical knowledge to potentially outlast Dubois if he adopts a cautious, defensive strategy similar to his rematch with Andy Ruiz Jr.
The Key to Victory
For Joshua to win, he must avoid Dubois’ powerful shots and maintain a disciplined approach throughout the fight. Dubois, on the other hand, will need to apply relentless pressure and capitalize on any openings in Joshua’s defense. If Joshua fights aggressively and leaves himself open, he risks being knocked out by Dubois’ heavy punches. Conversely, if Joshua can control the pace and avoid significant damage, he stands a chance of winning on points.
