On Saturday, September 21, 2024, a fiery Wembley Stadium hosted a major sporting event: the clash between Daniel Dubois and Anthony Joshua, two of the biggest names in British heavyweight boxing. In this much-anticipated bout, Dubois delivered a stunning knockout to Joshua in the fifth round, retaining his IBF heavyweight title and taking a big step toward a future title unification. Here’s a recap of this historic boxing night.
An electric atmosphere at Wembley
With a packed crowd of 96,000 roaring fans, the atmosphere at Wembley was electric even before the fight began. Daniel Dubois, 27, and Anthony Joshua, 34, were preparing for what was expected to be a fierce battle. Joshua, the 2012 Olympic champion and global boxing icon, was hoping to bounce back after a series of losses, while Dubois, younger and rising fast, aimed to prove he was now the king of the heavyweights.
All the elements for an epic night were in place. Joshua, known for his power and footwork, was up against a sharp Dubois, hungry for victory. Many boxing experts predicted a close match, some believing Joshua’s experience would make the difference against his younger challenger. However, reality painted a different picture.
Dubois dominates from the start
From the first round, the tone was set. Dubois quickly gained the upper hand with a powerful right hook that immediately knocked Joshua to the canvas. Although Joshua got back on his feet, it was clear he was shaken and that the fight would not be as evenly matched as expected. Dubois, relentless in his attack, continued to dominate with precise and devastating punches.
Joshua, usually known for his resilience, appeared overwhelmed. He attempted to mount a comeback in the second and third rounds, but every counter was met with Dubois’ brutal power. By the third round, Joshua hit the canvas for a second time, and by the fourth, his situation worsened. With each blow, the gap between the two fighters widened.
The decisive KO in the fifth round
Although Joshua showed signs of recovery at the beginning of the fifth round, Dubois capitalized on a critical opening. During a counter from Joshua, Dubois landed a devastating uppercut, followed by a crushing left hook that sealed the bout. Joshua collapsed on the ring, unable to rise before the referee’s count. The crowd, stunned, witnessed the fall of one of Britain’s greatest boxers in recent decades.
This victory stands as the finest of Dubois’ career. By dominating Joshua so emphatically, he retains his IBF heavyweight belt, a title he claimed last June after defeating Filip Hrgović. Dubois now boasts an impressive record of 22 wins (21 by KO) with only two losses.
What’s next for Dubois?
With this landmark victory, Daniel Dubois is now a serious contender for world title unification. The London-based fighter made his ambitions clear immediately after the fight. “I am a gladiator! I am a warrior to the end! I want to reach the pinnacle of this sport and fulfill my potential!” he exclaimed, his words echoing through the crowd.
Next on his radar is a bout against the winner of the highly anticipated showdown between Alexander Usyk and Tyson Fury, scheduled for December 21. Usyk, the reigning WBA, WBC, and WBO champion, and Fury, a titleholder himself, will clash for the ultimate prize. Both fighters were in attendance at Wembley to witness Dubois’ victory. With this commanding performance, Dubois now looks ahead to a unification fight, aiming to join the ranks of boxing legends.
Is this the end for Joshua?
As for Anthony Joshua, the future looks uncertain. This fourth defeat in three years, following losses to Andy Ruiz Jr. and back-to-back defeats against Usyk, marks a significant blow for the former Olympic champion. With his 35th birthday approaching, Joshua’s comeback to the top now seems distant.
However, all hope may not be lost for the 2012 gold medalist. According to his promoter, a rematch clause was included in the contract for this fight, opening the door for a potential second showdown with Dubois. But after such a crushing defeat, Joshua must seriously consider whether he still has the strength and determination to return to the highest level. Critics are already raising doubts, with some analysts suggesting his golden era is over, while others believe he may still have something left to prove, provided he retools his training and strategy.
A night that redefined british boxing
The clash between Dubois and Joshua was more than just a boxing match. It symbolized a passing of the torch in the British heavyweight hierarchy. By thoroughly outclassing his elder, Dubois has clearly announced that he is now the face of British boxing and a legitimate contender for the world’s heavyweight titles.
The Wembley crowd, hoping for a grand spectacle, was not disappointed. This knockout in the fifth round will be remembered as one of the defining moments in recent boxing history. For Dubois, the path to glory is now clear, while for Joshua, it’s time for reflection. No matter what the future holds, the night of September 21, 2024, will be etched in the annals of boxing.
Daniel Dubois has confirmed his meteoric rise in the boxing world with a spectacular victory over Anthony Joshua. By delivering a devastating KO at Wembley, he cemented his place as one of the top heavyweights of the moment and is now poised to take on the biggest names, including Usyk and Fury. Meanwhile, Joshua’s career is at a crossroads after this latest defeat. The future of British boxing is now firmly in Dubois’ hands, with one goal in sight: becoming the unified world champion.
