Preview: Joshua vs Dubois – Old Lion vs Young Lion

Joshua vs Dubois is the Old Lion vs Young Lion of British heavyweight boxing.

Well, maybe not that old, as Anthony Joshua is only 34 and Daniel Dubois is 27. But the feel of the fight does lend itself to this metaphor.

On Saturday, September 21, in front of a sold-out crowd of 96,000 at Wembley Stadium in London, England, the boxing world will witness a clash of two British titans as former heavyweight champion Joshua takes on rising star Dubois. This all-British showdown harkens back to the days of Lennox Lewis vs. Frank Bruno and promises to be a thrilling spectacle filled with explosive power and strategic finesse.

At the final pre-fight news conference on Thursday, Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois both said they are ready and eager to go. Photo: Mark Robinson, Matchroom Boxing

The full fight card airs on DAZN PPV, PPV.com, and additional platforms, with the undercard starting at 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT on Saturday, September 21. The price on all platforms is $19.99.

Joshua: ‘Ready To Show My Gladiatorial Spirit'

Anthony Joshua during this week's media workout ahead of his fight with Daniel Dubois. Photo: Mark Robinson, Matchroom Boxing

Once a dominant force in the heavyweight division, Joshua is eager to reclaim his former glory. Known for his devastating knockout punches and statuesque physique, he has been working tirelessly to regain his championship form, something no one has seen since his shocking loss to Andy Ruiz and back-to-back thrashings at the hands of legitimate heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk. Joshua showed some signs of it with a dominating performance against a tough and game Otto Wallin.

During the public media workout earlier this week, Joshua was asked about his level of emotion anticipating the fight. “There's no emotion. No emotions. I'm just here. I'm just here,” said Joshua. He said he would polish off his training and, most importantly, “Walking into the ring in front of 96,000 people ready to show people my gladiatorial spirit.”

Dubois: ‘I Can't Wait For The Challenge'

Daniel Dubois during a public workout this week with trainer Kieran Farrell ahead of his fight on Saturday night. Photo: Mark Robinson, Matchroom Boxing

Dubois is a young and hungry contender and poses a significant threat. With a powerful right hand and a relentless work ethic, Dubois has quickly made a name for himself in the boxing world. He worked tirelessly to shed an unfair “quitter” label given to him after being stopped by Joe Joyce. Joyce’s career has begun to plummet while Dubois has begun to ascend.

Oleksandr Usyk put his southpaw jab to good use against Daniel Dubois. Photo: TNT Sport

Whether you agreed or not Dubois should have been given a knockout over Usyk after a controversial low blow, there is no dispute he pushed the action and arguably gave the Ukrainian his toughest fight since his move to the heavyweight division.

During this week's public workout in London, Dubois expressed his confidence about the fight. “I know I need to go to another level at my very best. I can’t wait for the challenge on Saturday. I’m ready to fight. Let’s go!” said Dubois.

Responding to talk about Dubois looking heavier than in previous fights, he said, “I’m not sure. Honestly, I’ve just worked hard in the gym. I’ve suffered and worked really hard for weeks and months, so I’m just ready to fight now.”

Joshua vs Dubois Prediction: Joshua Takes The Win

Our prediction: Anthony Joshua takes out Daniel Dubois for a knockout win. Photo: Mark Robinson, Matchroom Boxing

This match-up is not only a battle of skill but also a clash of will. Joshua's aggressive approach and knockout power will be tested against Dubois's raw power and come-forward style.

Joshua is the better fundamental boxer. The question: can he employ those skills long enough to take Dubois to the deep end of the bout and take him out?

Dubois will press the action, and he has the power in his “dynamite” right hand to erase the former heavyweight kingpin. The outcome of this bout should set up a mega fight with the winner of Usyk vs Fury II.

Prediction: Joshua pushes the sun back up in the sky and holds off the twilight of his career at least one more time. Joshua by knockout in the seventh round.