Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois suffer huge blow as ex-world champion pulls out

Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois Facing Major Setback as Former Champion Withdraws

The highly anticipated heavyweight championship fight between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois is facing a significant disruption, as one of the key undercard bouts has been abruptly canceled. Liam Smith, a former WBO light-middleweight champion, has been forced to withdraw from his scheduled match against Josh Kelly due to a sudden illness. Smith, 36, who had been gearing up to make a return to the ring at Wembley Stadium, has revealed that he is suffering from a virus, which has left him in considerable discomfort and unfit to compete.

 

Smith’s bout with Kelly was set to be one of the highlights of the undercard for the Joshua-Dubois event, which is expected to attract around 96,000 fans to the national stadium. The fight between Joshua and Dubois, a clash for the IBF heavyweight title, was already one of the most eagerly awaited events of the year. Joshua, a former two-time heavyweight champion, is looking to regain a world title as he faces Dubois in a matchup that promises to be both thrilling and competitive.

 

However, with only a week remaining before the big night, organizers are now faced with the challenging task of addressing the absence of Smith from the lineup. The cancellation of Smith’s bout with Kelly has not only impacted the event’s schedule but also the overall anticipation surrounding the evening. Smith, known in the boxing world as ‘Beefy,’ has expressed his regret and frustration over the situation, emphasizing the severity of his illness and the pain he is experiencing due to constant coughing. He explained, “I have a virus right now and my ribs are in good pain from all the coughing. I’d be cooked if anyone landed a light body shot on me right now. It’s a tough situation, but I think it’s a valid reason a week away from the fight.”

 

Smith had been confident in his ability to deliver a strong performance against Kelly and was keen to overcome the critics who felt he had been overlooked or underestimated. He had previously hinted at feeling undervalued by observers and suggested that Joshua’s team was strategically trying to match him against Smith at what they perceived to be the right time. Smith was determined to prove that this strategy was a mistake, stating, “Josh is never going to say it because he’s not that type of person and he’s a fighter so he can’t say it. But it’s plain to see…Josh’s team are trying to get me at the right time.”

 

Reflecting on his previous fight against Chris Eubank Jr., which ended in a defeat, Smith pointed out the challenges he faced leading up to that bout. He attributed his performance issues to a significant weight cut and a back injury that affected his preparation. Smith described how the weight cut took a severe toll on him, stating, “The weight cut just took its toll on me. From the minute of the back injury to the minute of the rescheduled date, it was like a race against time.” He acknowledged that this rushed preparation had a noticeable impact on his performance, leading to a flat display in the fight, which he felt was evident from the early rounds. “I just couldn’t get going,” he said, highlighting how the weight loss had adversely affected his ability to compete at his best.

 

In addition to these personal challenges, Smith discussed the broader implications of his illness on his career and the upcoming fight. The sudden withdrawal not only affects his own preparation and aspirations but also leaves a gap in the card that will require immediate attention from the event organizers. With the match scheduled to take place in just a week, the pressure is on to find a suitable replacement or adjustment to the lineup to maintain the excitement and competitive nature of the evening.

 

The absence of Smith from the undercard has undoubtedly cast a shadow over the event, but the focus will inevitably shift back to the main attraction: Anthony Joshua versus Daniel Dubois. Joshua, looking to reclaim the IBF heavyweight title, will aim to put on a memorable performance and solidify his status in the heavyweight division. As the fight night approaches, fans and organizers alike will be keeping a close eye on how the situation unfolds and whether any further adjustments will be made to the highly anticipated event.