By: Sean Crose
As nearly all battle followers are conscious, two time heavyweight multititlist Anthony Joshua might be battling Daniel Dubois this weekend for Dubois’ IBF heavyweight strap at Wembley Stadium in London. A vastly necessary matchup between two large and highly effective males, Joshua-Dubois is a gigantic deal in Britain and is an especially fascinating affair for these of us residing throughout the pond. Joshua, in spite of everything, has risen from a world class profession hunch with a brand new coach (Ben Davison) and energized performances. Dubois, alternatively, arguably beat Oleksandr Usyk with a single shot once they fought a while again (the shot was dominated a low blow, permitting Usyk to go on to win the battle). What’s extra, Dubois has gone on to win two in a row inside the distance since that point.
So…whose going to win this scheduled 12 spherical affair? Joshua is the larger draw with the higher resume, nevertheless it’s Dubois who holds the IBF title and who almost beat Usyk, a fighter who has bested Joshua twice. Dubois jabs nicely, has stable footwork, and naturally has the ability to take down a wall. Nobody can write off a report the place all however two of the person’s many victories have occurred inside the distance.
Joshua, nonetheless, has that top benefit. Nearly as good as Dubois’ jab is Joshua’s is probably going higher. What’s extra, Davison appears to have have proven Joshua keep away from the sorts of heavy pictures which have harmed him all through the course of his profession. The person now fights with endurance and a confidence that had been lacking for some time. To win, Dubois should get inside…and get inside with out being punished by Joshua, who can knock him out with a single blow and who possesses ferocious physique punching of his personal.
Maybe a very powerful factor to contemplate right here is the truth that Dubois hasn’t fought at this degree. Oh, he’s had some large fights, however he’s by no means appeared on the reverse finish of a London ring with Joshua on the opposite facet. In different phrases, Joshua can pack ’em in. With near 100 thousand folks exhibiting up this Saturday to catch Joshua-Dubois reside, it’s notable that Joshua could have been right here earlier than. Dubois could have not. Such issues make a distinction.
None of that is to say Dubois can’t pull out the upset. The gifted and assured titlist definitely can. I don’t assume he’ll although, which is why I’m predicting a Joshua win courtesy of an eleventh spherical stoppage.
