‘I’m a king slayer’ – champion Daniel Dubois tells Anthony Joshua
Daniel Dubois described himself as the “king slayer” and promised to “train like a beast” for his world-title defence against Anthony Joshua.
The British heavyweights are set to clash for Dubois’ IBF belt at Wembley Stadium, which can host 90,000 spectators, on September 21st.
Dubois, aged 26, previously held the interim title and was promoted to world champion status following Oleksandr Usyk’s decision to vacate the belt.
“I’m aiming to be the best. AJ has been the king for a long time but on the night I need to be the king slayer,” he said.
Joshua, 34, was as measured as always in his responses as the two Londoners came face-to-face at a news conference at Wembley’s OVO Stadium on Wednesday.
“I’ve been having Dubois on my mind for a while and he’ll be on my mind for the next 12 weeks,” Joshua – aiming to become a three-time world champion – said.
On Tuesday, Usyk, who previously held all four recognized world titles, confirmed his decision to relinquish the IBF belt.
Due to his upcoming rematch with Tyson Fury scheduled for December, Usyk will not be able to meet mandatory challenger Dubois.
‘Training like beasts’ and a ‘pack of lions in the wild’
As pyrotechnics illuminated the arena, Dubois entered in a waistcoat while Joshua, in a more relaxed attire of t-shirt and joggers, followed suit.
Although Dubois is officially recorded as a world champion, he expressed a preference for earning the title in the ring, citing his victory over Filip Hrgovic for the interim title on June 1st.
However, defeating Joshua would undoubtedly solidify Dubois’ standing and earn him widespread recognition within the boxing community.
“I’m ready to let my fists do the talking. I’m 100% ready to go, focussed and to train like a beast,” he said.
Joshua has earned four straight victories since losing to Usyk in 2022.
The London 2012 Olympic gold medallist is eight years older than his opponent, but dismissed any suggestion that could play a part in the outcome.
“I feel fresh. But I don’t drink, I don’t smoke, that’s my only advice. Thank God I don’t get into antics outside of boxing,” he said.
While bouts against Fury and Deontay Wilder have not yet materialised, Joshua said Dubois has always been on his radar.
“I know the game, we’re in the wild, we’re a pack of lions,” he said. “I can’t just focus on them two I’ve got to keep my eyes peeled.”
Big-time boxing returns to Wembley Stadium
The leading figures of British boxing converged on stage, with former rivals Frank Warren and Eddie Hearn joined by fellow promoters Ben Shalom of Boxxer and Wasserman’s Kalle Sauerland.
“This is perhaps the most talent-packed card in British boxing history,” remarked Frank Warren of Queensberry, while Eddie Hearn of Matchroom hailed it as the “most significant night” the sport has witnessed in the country.
Joshua and Dubois will compete on familiar turf following consecutive victories in Saudi Arabia.
The event continues to be sponsored by the energy-rich kingdom, with Turki Alalshikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s general entertainment authority, credited for its realization.
Saudi Arabia has heavily invested to establish itself as a major hub for boxing, although critics argue this move is intended to divert attention from its controversial human rights record.