Anthony Joshua vs. Daniel Dubois: Preview and Breakdown for Wembley IBF Clash

Anthony Joshua, Great Britain’s boxing icon, is poised to pursue his third heavyweight world championship in less than a week during the inaugural Riyadh Season event on the esteemed borders of the United Kingdom.

With a capacity of 96,000 spectators, Wembley Stadium is guaranteed to be overwhelmed by a fervent audience as two locals vie for the IBF championship. Daniel Dubois may lack the popularity of his opponent. However, his rise to the top has been noteworthy, and victory this weekend will undeniably take him to the next level of stardom. 

Consequently, it is time to analyze the forthcoming weekend’s highlight pugilist showdown. While we know Turki Al-Alshikh’s desired outcome, is AJ genuinely prepared for victory? Discover our comprehensive preview below, with the most recent boxing odds and our optimal analysis for Joshua vs. Dubois.

Anthony Joshua vs. Daniel Dubois Breakdown

Anthony Joshua vs. Daniel Dubois: Riyadh Season Wembley Edition Information

• Date: Saturday, September. 21st – 04:00 p.m. GMT 
• Where: Wembley Arena, London 
• Promoter: Matchroom Boxing 
• Schedule: 6 Bouts 
• Where to Watch: Sky Sports, TNT, and DAZN     
• Main Event Contest: Anthony Joshua vs. Daniel Dubois 
• Co-Main Event: Tyler Denny vs. Hamzah Sheeraz   

Anthony “AJ” Josuha: Three-time Champion?

The latest battle involving Anthony Joshua was his bout against Francis Ngannou, a former UFC heavyweight champion with a professional boxing record of 0-1. It was a peripheral endeavour that contributed little to his career yet significantly to his financial status. With significant issues resolved, the former two-time heavyweight champion is set to compete against true professionals this weekend, and we like the enhanced version of AJ that has evolved since he collaborated with coach Ben Davison.

Read More: Anthony Joshua Feels Sharper and Mentally Ready Ahead of Dubois Wembley Showdown

Since teaming with Ben Davison, Joshua seemed to have regained his former confidence. In the ring, he has exhibited no hesitation; strategically choosing his shots and capitalizing on advantageous opportunities when his rivals are vulnerable has been a consistent pattern in four consecutive victories since April 2023.

With Dubois as his next adversary, it’s normal to feel apprehensive that AJ’s hesitant demeanour may resurface. However, should he continue to exhibit the same confidence shown recently, he might shorten both the night and the championship tenure of the IBF interim champion. 

Daniel “Dynamite” Dubois: Quiter or Nah?

Dubois is an imposing figure. Nevertheless, his height is not the only prominent issue, as the Londoner’s lone career defeats thus far have attracted significant criticism. Joe Joyce and Oleksandr Usyk defeated this formidable opponent in the same manner, as he knelt in both instances and was branded a ‘quitter.’

Assuming a kneeling position in his only career losses may have been prudent since a freshly arisen entity has now manifested. Having evaded long-term injury, Dubois secured successive knockout victories against Jarrell Miller and Filip Hrgovic, the latter leading to his acquisition of the IBF heavyweight title.

Read More: Daniel Dubois Vows to Shock Anthony Joshua in High-Stakes Sep. 21 Showdown at Wembley

The partnership between coach Don Charles and “Dynamite” appears to have developed nicely. The Brits’ evident striking power, clear as day since his amateur career, compels all adversaries to approach the ring with heightened caution when engaging with him. The probabilities may present a wide gap, but Joshua, who has exhibited defensive vulnerabilities previously, must be vigilant from the outset. 

Skillset Analysis: Joshua vs. Dubois

Defensive play is a significant concern in Dubois’ skillset. Joyce and Usyk revealed these defensive weaknesses, and even in the initial rounds of his victory over Hrgovic, the Brit was being easily overwhelmed. Now, faced with a more formidable finisher than his last opponent, Joshua can inflict significant damage frequently when presented with comparable opportunities.

I do not wish to dismiss Dubois, but the outcome of this match hinges on AJ’s strategy. Provided he does not retreat as he has in other instances, a Joshua who possesses confidence in his athleticism and is prepared to inflict constant damage would undoubtedly prevail in this bout nine times out of ten.

Read More: Breaking Down Anthony Joshua’s Last Three Opponents: Preparing for Daniel Dubois

Indeed, both men are formidable competitors, but there are several grounds for having far greater faith in the IBF challenger. There are levels to this, and Joshua has superior footwork against the somewhat flat-footed Dubois and will also enjoy a significant speed advantage.

I foresee AJ cutting the ring, employing precise angles and remarkable footwork to enhance his lateral mobility, rendering Dubois incapable of landing strikes outside the pocket. Although possessing one-punch power, the champion is lower in stature, frequently advances in a lumbering manner, and, in terms of defence, relies heavily on his chin rather than employing defensive tactics.

Dubois fails to maintain a tight guard, as evidenced by Hrgovic, a competitor without the strength and quickness of AJ, who effortlessly landed punishing strikes up the middle. While Ngannou may not be the most illustrative case, Dubois exhibits comparable defensive errors; if he continues to leave such vulnerabilities, he will have a similar outcome as the brief career of the Cameroonian MMA athlete. 

Joshua vs. Dubois Betting Odds

Bookmakers have established Anthony Joshua as the clear favourite over Dubois for their match on Saturday, 21st September 2024, at Wembley Stadium, London, United Kingdom.

AJ is presently -400 to win the bout with trusted online US sportsbooks that can be found here, while “Dynamite” offers odds of +300 for those anticipating an underdog shocker.

Tale of the Tape

Joshua vs. Dubois Prediction 

Despite the -400 moneyline odds on Joshua being unattractive for long-term handicappers, I contend that they reflect value in a matchup that ought to put AJ nearer to the -800 mark. I would not be astonished if this bout results in a whitewash, given that Dubois’ unrefined boxing style is predictable and excessively simplistic for a versatile talent like AJ. 

I do not think we should debate whether Joshua will win but rather which round he will deliver the knockout blow.

Read More: Daniel Dubois’ Last Three Opponents: A Closer Look at His Recent Challenges

We must acknowledge Dubois’ merits; his chin, albeit susceptible, can indeed withstand early punishment. Usyk ultimately fatigued him in the ninth round, and Joyce concluded the bout in the tenth; the over/under for this weekend is presently set at seven rounds.

I expect Joshua to find the kill shot eventually, but he will not launch a full-scale assault in the first half of the fight, knowing how dangerous Dubois’ power is. Anticipate a composed and patient AJ to systematically dismantle his opponent, rendering the over 7 ½ rounds a valuable gamble with a high probability of success before a late KO/TKO in the championship rounds crowns a new and three-time world champion.   

Joshua vs. Dubois Best Bet: Over 7 ½ Rounds @ -115 

Josua vs. Dubois Precise Prediction: Joshua Win by KO/TKO in Round 9