Frank Warren Reflects on Historic Riyadh Season Night in London as Dubois Stuns Joshua

On September 21, Daniel Dubois (22-2, 21 KOs) delivered a career-best performance, beating Anthony Joshua (28-4, 25 KOs) by fifth-round KO in front of 96,000 spectators at Wembley Stadium. It was the main event of a stacked Riyadh Season card. Fight fans caught the action on DAZN PPV, TNT Sports PPV, PPV.com and Sky Sports Box Office. Frank Warren was ringside supporting his fighters and the Queensberry Promotions founder has reflected on the historic event.

Frank Warren Reflects on Dubois’ Stunning Victory Over Joshua at Historic Riyadh Season Event

Frank Warren Shares His Thoughts on Historic Riyadh Season Card

Wembley Stadium played host to a fantastic Riyadh Season card on Saturday with the world watching on and Frank Warren has now reflected on the event: “From a promotional and logistical perspective, things really couldn’t have gone much better, but what truly matters most is that the fights deliver the goods and they did.”

He reflected on the performance of Dubois: “Daniel Dubois has now joined the giants of the heavyweight division having toppled one of the big guns. He forced the fight and made his own fortune, so the post-fight scrutiny shouldn’t be a post-mortem about Anthony Joshua, it should be welcoming a new force in the sport.”

Read More: Josh Padley Upsets Mark Chamberlain on Joshua vs Dubois Undercard

“Daniel didn’t win because AJ is some sort of fading hero who got it all wrong. It was about Daniel getting it right and when he does he is pretty much unstoppable.”

Paying respect to AJ, Warren said: “Praise and respect to AJ because it makes two to create a classic and even under the most immense pressure he never stopped being dangerous and was landing hurtful blows right to the end. Daniel showed incredible heart to withstand the onslaught and execute a showstopper of his own.”

Looking to the future for “Dynamite,” Warren added: “What happens next is typically the question on everyone’s lips following such a seismic victory, but we will take the time to assess the landscape and also take into account the outcome of the big one on December 21 between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk.”

Reflecting on Anthony Joshua-Daniel Dubois Undercard

Talking about Anthony Cacace defeating Josh Warrington, the Queensberry founder said: “I am absolutely thrilled for Anto to be enjoying such success at this stage of his career and I hope this sets him and his family up for life. All the pieces have finally fallen into place for him and Anto is now living the life of an elite performer and a genuine champion.”

“Hamzah Sheeraz continued to blaze a trail of destruction through the middleweight division with a two-round blitz of the European champion Tyler Denny. Hamzah is naturally now on the cusp of world title contention, but he has done this by moving through the levels and picking up the necessary experience, along with significant title belts that have manoeuvred him into position.”

Read More: Josh Kelly Overcomes Final Round Scare in Otherwise Dull Fight Against Ishmael Davis

Queensberry didn’t have it all their own way on the night, and Warren spoke about Willy Hutchinson defeat: “We didn’t have it all our own way on the night. Willy Hutchinson rolled the dice by stepping up to take on Joshua Buatsi for the WBO Interim world light heavyweight title and came up a little short despite a skilful and gutsy performance.”

Reflecting on the shock defeat for Mark Chamberlain, he said: “Mark Chamberlain endured a shock to his system by taking a first professional setback against Josh Padley, which might end up becoming a pivotal moment in his career. Special mention to Josh and his trainer Jason Cunningham, who I admire and respect greatly. It is another big win for Jason following on from his success with Conner Kelsall the other month.”

Read More: Joshua Buatsi Defeats Willy Hutchinson Despite Bizarre Scorecard

Adding to the Chamberlain loss: “Mark has been given incredible opportunities to showcase himself and move towards world title contention and I believe he has got what it takes. It is now up to him to make the necessary changes to put himself back on track,” said Warren.

Reflecting on the success of the night overall, the Queensberry head honcho said: “To end again on a happier note, what made this Riyadh Season spectacular so special was the record crowd that provided such a memorable backdrop to events in the ring. H.E. Turki Alalshikh – who we extend huge thanks to for making it all happen – cannot have failed to be impressed.”