Anthony Joshua not underestimating Greenwich’s IBF world heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois

BY RICHARD CAWLEY
richard@slpmedia.co.uk

Anthony Joshua knows he is in for a major challenge when he looks to wrench the IBF world heavyweight title off Daniel Dubois on September 21 at Wembley Stadium.

Greenwich’s Dubois was elevated to world champion status after Oleksandr Usyk vacated that governing body’s belt last week as he presses ahead with a rematch against Tyson Fury.

Dubois (21-2, 20KOs) has produced two impressive performances on the bounce by stopping Jarrell Miller and Filip Hrgovic in Saudi Arabia.

Joshua, who is a two-time world champion, was out in Riyadh to witness the 26-year-old inflict a first loss on Croatia’s Hrgovic in June.

The Watford puncher (28-3, 25KOs) told iFL TV: “When I watched him out in Saudi I said: ‘He knows what he is doing. He can fight’. That was my first time watching him live.”

“He’s a good fighter and the worse thing anyone can do is underestimate anyone, anyway.

“We are going to give him the respect he deserves. Especially coming off those two wins. We have to look at him and say he is a serious fighter.

“In this game this is what competition is about. Bringing two fighters together and seeing who the best one is. Dubois is my opponent, so I’ve got to give him the ultimate respect.”

Dubois’ improvement in ring composure seems to have kicked up a notch since he started being trained by Don Charles.

Joshua has also recently switched to Ben Davison.

The challenger describes Charles, who was known for his heavywork work with Dereck Chisora, as a “phenomenal coach”.

“This is 100 per cent why it is going to be a tough fight – because coaches make a difference,” said Joshua.

“In football if players aren’t delivering they don’t get rid of the starting 11, they get rid of the coaches. So, for me, a coach makes a massive difference.

“I remember when everyone was going ‘Josh has moved coaches two times – it’s all about his hunger and not about a coach’. One hundred per cent it was about the coach. You need motivation and someone to give you guidance.

“I feel confident in the set-up I’ve got in order to be victorious.”

The winner of the main event at Wembley will be hoping they face the victor of Usyk-Fury.

If Joshua were to become a three-time world heavyweight champion he would join an exclusive club that includes ring greats Muhammad Ali, Lennox Lewis and Evander Holyfield.

“I’m not looking at it like that for this one, not yet,” said Joshua.

“I want to do a lot of good work first, because the championship [fight] is so far away.

“I want to do a lot of good work and get closer to that before I see it as a reality. I’ve got a lot of hard work to do over the next 12 weeks.

“This doesn’t feel like redemption. I’m just doing what I should be doing. It’s a blessing.

“I’ve found my way to the top again, potentially to becoming champion again.

“Right now I’m just simmering. I’ve got to get down in the trenches for my training. I’m going to have to take myself to places that I ain’t been before if I want to win – this is championship level boxing.”

PICTURES: MARK ROBINSON/MATCHROOM