In a highly-anticipated all-British heavyweight showdown, Daniel Dubois stunned Anthony Joshua with a knockout in the fifth round at Wembley Stadium. The fight, which attracted a record-breaking 96,000 fans, saw Dubois retain his IBF heavyweight title in dominant fashion, as he delivered a crushing defeat to Joshua, who was seeking to reclaim his status as a world champion.
From the opening bell, Dubois took control. The 27-year-old champion wasted no time asserting his dominance in the first round, flooring Joshua with a powerful overhand right. Joshua managed to beat the count, but it was clear he was shaken. Dubois capitalized on his early momentum, using sharp jabs and relentless pressure to keep Joshua on the defensive. By the end of the first round, the crowd at Wembley could sense trouble for the former two-time world champion.
Dubois maintained his aggressive approach in the second round, as Joshua struggled to find his footing. Dubois continued to target both Joshua’s body and head, landing punishing blows that had Joshua on the run. “It didn’t seem like Joshua ever fully recovered from that knockdown in the first round,” one commentator remarked. “He looked unsteady, and Dubois kept the pressure on.”
The third round saw more of the same, with Dubois firmly in control. Joshua, known for his powerful uppercuts, attempted to regain some composure, but a wild hook missed its mark, leaving him vulnerable. Dubois seized the opportunity, scoring yet another knockdown and further asserting his dominance in the fight. Joshua beat the count again, but as the bell rang, it was evident that Dubois was calling the shots.
By the fourth round, Joshua was in serious trouble. Dubois landed a punishing left hand that nearly sent Joshua sprawling to the canvas once again. Despite the brutal onslaught, Joshua showed resilience, managing to stay on his feet. However, Dubois continued to dominate, landing blow after blow. The referee briefly separated the fighters, and in a bizarre moment, Joshua stuck out his tongue, signaling he was still in the fight, but his body told a different story.
As the fifth round began, Joshua appeared to rally and even managed to hurt Dubois briefly. However, his overcommitment left him exposed, and Dubois capitalized with a perfectly timed right hand to Joshua’s temple. Joshua tried to shake it off, but Dubois landed another clean shot to the jaw, sending Joshua face down on the canvas.
Joshua attempted to get back on his feet, but it was clear he was unable to continue. The referee called an end to the fight, awarding Dubois a sensational knockout victory. “It’s all over!” the announcer declared as the crowd erupted in shock.
For Dubois, this victory marks a successful defense of his IBF heavyweight title, cementing his place at the top of the division. As for Joshua, the loss raises questions about his future in boxing, as he was seeking to become a three-time world champion but fell short in his quest.
Dubois, elated after the fight, expressed his confidence in the post-match interview. “I knew I had what it takes to beat him,” Dubois said. “I worked hard for this moment, and tonight I showed what I’m capable of.”
Joshua, on the other hand, was gracious in defeat. “I gave it my all, but tonight wasn’t my night,” he admitted. “I’ll go back, review everything, and come back stronger.”
The night at Wembley will be remembered for Dubois’ spectacular performance and the shocking end to what was supposed to be a chance for Joshua to reclaim his glory.