Daniel Dubois seeking to ‘legitimise’ champion’s status

Daniel Dubois revealed he is relishing the prospect of “legitimising” his status as IBF heavyweight champion against Anthony Joshua.

The 27 year old makes the first defence of his title, in the biggest fight of his career, on Saturday evening at Wembley Stadium.

He regardless recognises that he has a title to defend because the IBF illogically stripped Oleksandr Usyk before he could make the first defence of his undisputed title in his rematch with Tyson Fury on December 21 – and not because he, as is tradition, won it in the ring.

Dubois recorded successive, impressive victories over the previously undefeated Jarrell Miller and Filip Hrgovic before he was elevated to the status of champion, but he knows that the circumstances and recognition of the status of Usyk and Fury as the world’s finest heavyweights means that he has a point to prove against his domestic rival, aged 34.

“You guys are going to see – this is my time,” he told DAZN. “I’m the man. I need to go out there and legitimise it – I’m the champ.

“[I’m] good. Confident. I’m just relaxing and soaking it all up; soaking up the energy. It’s good. 

“I’m going to feed off of that energy and build-up – I can’t wait for it. It’s my time. I’m ready for it.

“By any means necessary – victory. That’s it. 

“It’s the drill. It’s part of the routine before the fight. The ritual. Let’s go, man.”

Those asking questions on behalf of the broadcaster were at pains to attempt to get Dubois to complement the size of the occasion of Tuesday’s grand arrivals in London’s Leicester Square, and therefore Saturday’s contest and the influence of those who represent the previously little-known Riyadh Season, but he said: “I’m experienced now. All of this – the media and everything – I don’t let any of it faze me. This is the build-up to the storm on Saturday.

“What’s the point of getting all worked up for nothing? I’m ready to fight. Wherever we have to do it, we’re going to do it. 

“I’ll do whatever it takes to win. If it means rushing in; dog fight; headbutts; everything. Anything to win and retain my belt. You guys are going to see – don’t worry about that.

“This is big, man. It ain’t the biggest, but this is big. I’m really soaking it all up right now. It’s a great atmosphere. I’m going to feed off the energy on Saturday. 

“I’m the champ, so I need to operate like one. I’m the champ for now. I’m the champ.

“It’ll feel even better on Saturday when I win. I’m just in the zone. It’s what I’ve wanted since I was a little kid – sat in there as a young boxer at the Repton [Amateur Boxing Club] and all the clubs we’ve been to until today, so I’m ready for it.

“[I’m] sharpening up and not exerting myself too much. Just, being explosive on Saturday.”