Eddie Hearn reveals change in ‘normally chilled’ Joshua ahead of Dubois fight
Eddie Hearn insists Anthony Joshua’s mindset has changed ahead of his all-British showdown with Daniel Dubois.
The Watford powerhouse is traditionally a very cool character, who doesn’t give much away.
But Hearn has noticed a shift in Joshua‘s demeanour as fight night creeps closer.
“I was with him last Friday for camp. He’s pumped for this fight,” Hearn told the Matchroom Boxing YouTube channel.
“He’s talking, ‘I’ve got to win this fight.’ Normally, it’s chilled. ‘Yeah, I’ll be fine.’
“He knows the importance of this fight. We know the threat of Dubois. No one is trying to badmouth Dubois.
His upcoming IBF heavyweight title fight on September 21 is a must-win encounter.
Victory will make him a three-time heavyweight world champion and open doors to an undisputed scrap with whoever emerges victorious from Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury‘s rematch on December 21.
However, defeat will likely spell the end of his time at the top of the heavyweight division.
“We don’t need to undersell Dubois,” Hearn added. “We’re aware of the risk.
“He’s a young man in his prime that has a high volume and that is a big puncher.
“This is a very dangerous fight, but you have two heavyweights that are in the form of their career right now.
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“I was watching some sparring of AJ back in the past and watching some of his fights when he beat the likes of [Wladimir] Klitschko [in April 2017].
“I actually realize now what a raw novice AJ was when he was fighting the likes of Klitschko. He was upright and all brawn.
“He’s now a complete all-around fighter, but it doesn’t matter in the heavyweight division.
“You’re in with a big puncher, and it can change. This fight could be over very early, or it could go deep. AJ, as always, prepared for every eventuality.
“This is a big fight for him personally. Three-time heavyweight world champion. That’s not an accomplishment that many have achieved in the sport.”
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