Joshua vs Dubois: Fight time, undercard, prediction, ring walks, odds
Having been knocked off the top step by Andy Ruiz in 2019 and then Oleksandr Usyk two years later, Joshua has the opportunity to once again claim the IBO world title, and take a big step towards a potential undisputed shot.
The rebuild since those Usyk defeats has been impressive and increasingly more convincing, starting with victories over Jermaine Franklin and Robert Helenius, before Otto Wallin and Francis Ngannou were then dispatched in brutal fashion.
The 34-year-old faces a fellow Briton for the first time since beating Dillian Whyte in 2015, with Dubois the man on the other side of the ring in what is expected to be a red-hot atmosphere, with a crowd up of up to 96,000 in attendance.
Dubois was elevated to world champion in June when Usyk vacated one of the belts he successfully defended against Tyson Fury in May to become the undisputed champion. With the IBF demanding he face his mandatory challenger rather than a rematch with Fury, the Ukrainian opted to give up the belt as a “present” to the two British fighters.
Dubois has also lost to Usyk, last year in controversial circumstances, but bounced back to beat Jarrell Miller and most recently Filip Hrgovic, which was for the IBF interim title. While he answered any questions over his heart in those two gritty performances, even if they were both punishing encounters.
The 27-year-old now makes a first defence of that strap against Joshua, with the winner in line to face either Usyk or Fury next year for all the heavyweight belts.
Anthony Joshua knocked out Francis Ngannou inside two rounds earlier this year
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Joshua vs Dubois date, start time, venue and ring walks
The fight is scheduled for Saturday, September 21, 2024 and will take place at Wembley Stadium in London.
The card is set to begin at around 4pm BST, with ring walks for the main event likely to come at around 11pm, depending on the length of bouts earlier in the night.
How to watch Joshua vs Dubois
TV channel and live stream: Joshua vs Dubois will be shown live in the UK via DAZN’s pay-per-view service, Sky Sports Box Office and TNT Sports Box Office.
DAZN have announced that the card is available to buy for £19.99, which includes a seven-day free trial to the platform.
Sky Sports are charging £19.95, where coverage starts at 4pm BST. It will cost £19.99 on TNT Sports, who will also start their broadcast at 4pm.
Live blog: You will be able to follow the entire card live on the night with Standard Sport’s fight blog.
Joshua vs Dubois fight card/undercard in full
Anthony Joshua vs Daniel Dubois
Tyler Denny vs Hamzah Sheeraz
Anthony Cacace vs Josh Warrington
Joshua Buatsi vs Willy Hutchinson
Josh Kelly vs Ishmael Davis
Mark Chamberlain vs Josh Padley
Josh Warrington is among those on the undercard
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Joshua vs Dubois prediction
Joshua has won four fights in a row since his two defeats to Usyk and has looked impressive doing so, with trainer Ben Davison having a positive impact in bringing about a return to a more aggressive style.
Francis Ngannou and Otto Wallin have been swept aside, but this is now a step up and the power that Dubois possesses will test Joshua’s renewed confidence, and how much he is willing to risk being hit in order to impose himself and take charge.
Dubois, meanwhile, will have to cope with the occasion, with this by far the biggest bout of his career. He did put on good displays against both Usyk, although he failed to press home his advantage after the below-the-belt punch controversy, and Hrgovic, though he took plenty of punishment in both fights and surely cannot afford to do so here.
The history books suggest an explosive fight is on the cards, with only one of Dubois’ pro bouts going to points and Joshua winning just one fight that went 12 rounds since 2019. He has shown recently he is at his best when using his natural power to try and get the job done early.
It makes for an intriguing contest but Joshua has the experience edge and looks a new man under Davison. He can get the job done here, and set the stage for a mega-fight with Fury or even a third contest against Usyk in 2025.
Joshua to win by knockout, round eight.
Joshua vs Dubois betting odds
Joshua to win by knockout or technical knockout: 2/5
Joshua to win by decision: 5/1
Dubois to win by knockout or technical knockout: 5/1
Dubois to win by decision: 10/1
Odds via Betfred, subject to change.