When Anthony Joshua steps into the ring at Wembley Stadium in London, England, on September 21 to fight Daniel Dubois for the IBF heavyweight title, it will have been 3,088 days since Joshua first claimed the prestigious red belt by defeating Charles Martin.
Much has changed since that April 2016 night, but while waking up on Sunday morning with the belt beside him might feel different, for now, the thought of reclaiming his original title doesn’t stir any particular emotions in Joshua, nor does it hold any special meaning.
When Joshua, with a record of 28-3 (25 KOs), first won the title by defeating Martin, it marked a significant milestone. It established Joshua’s presence on the world stage and was the first major step towards his rise as a global superstar.
These days, the title would be a nice addition but is just one piece of a much larger puzzle. A victory over Dubois, 21-2 (20 KOs), won’t necessarily lead to a long reign of title defenses, but it should secure him a direct shot at the winner of the forthcoming rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury. Depending on how boxing politics play out, it could also give him his first shot at the undisputed heavyweight title.
“I always say I’ll look back and reflect when it’s all over. Right now, I’m just very relaxed. Everything’s a blessing, so I just go with it. It’s an opportunity to fight,” Joshua told Queensberry.
“It’s going to be tough, it’s nerve-wracking, but in terms of world titles, I’m just like, ‘Here today, gone tomorrow. Onto the next.’ Then, when it’s all said and done, I’ll think, ‘Oh, I remember when I won that, and it was amazing.’ But for now, it’s a conqueror’s mindset—win and move on.”
Joshua and Dubois share a history dating back seven years. The exact details of their much-discussed sparring session in Sheffield may be lost to time, but despite the changes both fighters have undergone since, it has left an underlying tension.
While Joshua has gradually evolved as a fighter and person during his time at the top, Dubois’ transformation has been rapid and remarkable. The 26-year-old’s gutsy stoppage victories over Jarrell Miller and Filip Hrgovic have dispelled the doubts raised by his losses to Joe Joyce and Usyk.
Dubois is also beginning to develop the crucial aura that a heavyweight champion must possess. Though he may never be as polished or professional as Joshua in front of the cameras, Dubois seems to have embraced his own identity, appearing more comfortable as a result.
During a lengthy press day filled with promotional events, tempers flared as the two faced off in a roundtable discussion.
Buoyed by his handling of the formidable Filip Hrgovic, Dubois had clearly resolved not to show any signs of weakness to the more experienced Joshua. He refused to be intimidated as Joshua asserted his seniority, rising from his seat to warn the younger fighter that he does not tolerate disrespect.
Joshua respects Dubois’ attitude and admitted that a bit of pre-fight tension helps him become the person he needs to be on fight night.
“It’s always been that way. I don’t think people fully understand what it’s like to do our job,” Joshua said. “It’s a unique profession. The glitz and glamour are unique, but when you strip it down, you’re asking two men to stand in a ring in front of people and fight for 47 minutes. Most people couldn’t even fight for two minutes. Start the clock and try to throw punches for two minutes. We’re going to do it for 47 minutes. So, yeah, people can’t really grasp where that takes us mentally, but I’m in a warrior mindset the whole time. I’m not here to be friends with anyone.”
