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In one of the most dramatic moments of 2024, Daniel Dubois delivered a stunning upset, knocking out two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua in the fifth round to retain the IBF Heavyweight Title. The fight saw Dubois (22-2, 21 KOs) outclass Joshua (28-4, 25 KOs), who had been aiming for his third heavyweight title reign.
Dubois, a former IBF interim champion, was elevated to full champion status earlier this year after Oleksandr Usyk vacated the belt to pursue his rematch with Tyson Fury. In his first title defense, the 26-year-old Londoner made a statement, proving his mettle on boxing’s grand stage.
The Fight Breakdown
From the opening bell, it was clear that Dubois came in with a plan to overwhelm Joshua. He dominated the pace of the fight, using his powerful right hand to disrupt Joshua’s rhythm early on. While Joshua won the second round on the scorecards, Dubois controlled rounds 1, 3, 4, and ultimately the decisive fifth round where he landed the knockout blow.
The stats tell the story of the fight. Dubois landed 79 punches compared to Joshua’s 32, with Dubois throwing a total of 196 punches to Joshua’s 117. What’s more impressive is Dubois’ 40% accuracy compared to Joshua’s 27%. In terms of power punches, Dubois landed 49 out of 96 thrown, while Joshua connected with just 14 out of 35.
Dubois’ jab also played a significant role in the fight, as he consistently kept Joshua at bay. He landed 30 jabs compared to Joshua’s 18, setting up his power punches that ultimately sealed the deal.
The Fifth-Round Knockout
It was in the fifth round where Dubois delivered the knockout blow that stunned the world. A well-timed right hand caught Joshua off-guard, sending the former champion crashing to the canvas. Joshua tried to get back up, but the referee called the fight, signaling a huge victory for Dubois.
For Joshua, this loss represents another setback in his quest to return to the top of the heavyweight division. Known for his resilience, he will likely regroup and plot his path back to a title shot. But for now, the night belonged to Daniel Dubois, whose performance cemented him as one of the top heavyweights in the world.
Daniel Dubois’ Future
With this victory, Dubois has positioned himself as a legitimate force in the heavyweight division. At just 26, he has plenty of time to further develop his skills and potentially unify the belts. With Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury still looming large in the division, Dubois’ future matchups could be some of the most exciting in recent heavyweight history.
Dubois proved that he has the power, accuracy, and tenacity to stand toe-to-toe with the best. His ability to execute his game plan and deliver a knockout against a seasoned veteran like Joshua is a testament to his growth as a fighter.
What’s Next for Joshua?
For Anthony Joshua, this loss is a bitter pill to swallow. As a two-time heavyweight champion, Joshua has had an illustrious career, but recent performances have shown vulnerabilities. With this defeat, Joshua’s path forward is unclear, but given his championship pedigree, a return to form is always possible. Maybe we will see a Joshua VS Dubois rematch.
Final Thoughts
Dubois’ upset victory has turned the heavyweight division on its head, proving that in boxing, anything can happen. Fight.TV is here for it! Whether you’re a fan of the young, hungry champions like Dubois or the seasoned veterans like Joshua, the future of heavyweight boxing is full of drama, excitement, and must-see matchups.
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