Once Dismissed as a Quitter, Daniel Dubois Can ‘Legitimize’ Himself by Beating Anthony Joshua

Dubois vows to prove doubters wrong after suffering stoppage loss to Joe Joyce

Daniel Dubois is aiming to ‘legitimize’ his career by beating Anthony Joshua – three years after he was labelled a ‘quitter’ for pulling out of a clash with the two-time unified world heavyweight champion.

Dubois, 25, was forced to withdraw from the scheduled bout in December 2020 due to an eye injury, but has rebuilt since with five consecutive victories.

The Londoner now faces Joshua, 33, on Saturday in a bout that will determine the new WBA (regular) champion.

‘It’s time to grow up’

Speaking at the pre-fight press conference, Dubois said: “I’m grateful for the opportunity to be back in the ring against a great champion like Anthony Joshua.

“I’ve got to take this with both hands and prove to everyone that I’m here to stay, and I’m ready to win a world title.”

Dubois added: “I’m not afraid of AJ (Joshua) or any other heavyweight out there. I’m ready to step up and show the world what I can do.”

Dubois is a heavy underdog for the fight against Joshua, but he insists that he will not be intimidated by the occasion.

“I’ve been working hard for this moment my whole life,” he said. “I’m ready to prove myself and show the world that I’m a true champion.”

Joshua, meanwhile, is looking to bounce back from his defeat by Oleksandr Usyk last August, which saw him lose his WBA (super), WBO and IBF heavyweight titles.

The Watford fighter said: “I’m not looking past Daniel Dubois. He’s a young, hungry fighter who is coming to take my title.

“I’m going to have to be at my best to beat him, but I’m confident that I can get the win.”

The fight between Joshua and Dubois is set to take place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London on Saturday, December 3.