In a highly anticipated showdown at Wembley Stadium, Daniel Dubois emerged victorious with a brutal fifth-round knockout of Anthony Joshua, solidifying his status as the reigning IBF heavyweight champion. The fight, which drew an electrifying crowd of 96,000 fans—the largest post-war attendance for a boxing event in the UK—marked a significant turning point in both fighters' careers.
From the opening bell, Dubois showcased his formidable power and aggression, flooring Joshua with a devastating right hand in the first round. Despite entering the ring as the champion, Dubois dominated the bout, sending Joshua to the canvas again in the third round with a powerful left hook that left the former two-time world champion visibly shaken.
As the fight progressed, Joshua struggled to regain his footing against Dubois' relentless onslaught. The turning point came just 59 seconds into the fifth round when Dubois landed a thunderous right hook that sent Joshua crashing to the mat, prompting referee intervention and ending the contest.
"This victory is not just for me; it's for everyone who believed in me," said Dubois in his post-fight interview. "I trained hard for this moment and I’m ready to take on anyone in the heavyweight division."
This defeat marks Joshua's fourth professional loss and raises questions about his future in boxing. Following the fight, he expressed determination to continue his career despite the setback. "I will learn from this and come back stronger," Joshua stated. "Every champion faces adversity; it’s how you respond that defines you."
Dubois' victory not only retains his IBF title but also positions him as a leading contender for future heavyweight bouts, including a potential clash for undisputed championship status against the winner of the upcoming fight between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury.
As boxing fans celebrate this monumental upset, all eyes will be on Dubois as he aims to establish himself as one of the elite fighters in the heavyweight division.