Daniel Dubois, IBF heavyweight champion,” says his goal is to be a “King-slayer” on September 21st when he faces “King” Anthony Joshua at Wembley Stadium in England.
King in Waiting
Joshua (28-3, 25 KOs) is more a King in waiting than an actual one after being kicked off his throne by Oleksandr Usyk in 2021.
AJ has made the right moves to get back to his King’s chair at the top of the division by winning his last four fights, but he must still win two more fights before he can sit back on his royal throne and rule the division with his scepter.
Promoter Eddie Hearn didn’t need to pressure the International Boxing Federation to grant him their wish to strip Oleksandr Usyk, IBF champion, because he willingly gifted the belt to Dubois, who will defend it for the first time on September 21st.
The Path to the Throne
“I’m glad he’s a champion because when he beats Daniel Dubois, he will have beat another champion to become a three-time heavyweight champion,” said promoter Eddie Hearn to the media during today’s kickoff press conference, talking about Anthony Joshua facing newly upgraded IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois on September 21st.
Hearn doesn’t say who the other options were that Joshua would fight on September 21st if Usyk hadn’t vacated his IBF title. If the IBF belt weren’t at stake, Zhilei Zhang and Joseph Parker were the rumored two candidates that Hearn would have picked from. Without the IBF being available, they wouldn’t take the dangerous fight with Dubois.
“This is part of the journey to undisputed, which we’ve never lost sight of. A thrilling main event. Two Brits fighting for the world heavyweight title and a breathtaking undercard put together by these guys in stunning fashion,” said Hearn.
Unfortunately, the undercard is far from being “breathtaking.” Former IBF featherweight champion Josh Warrington has lost his last two fights, yet he’s getting a world title shot against IBF super featherweight champion Anthony Cacace on the card.
The King-Slayer’s Mission
“AJ has been the King for a very long time. On the night, I have to be a King slayer. That’s my goal and the mission I have,” said Daniel Dubois. “I’m ready to let my fists do the talking. I’m going to train like a beast.”
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