Anthony Joshua: ‘I’m Not Here to Make Friends—I’m Here to Fight’

A Historic Night Awaits at Wembley Stadium

On September 21, 2024, Anthony Joshua steps into the ring at Wembley Stadium in London for a high-stakes clash against Daniel Dubois for the IBF heavyweight title. This fight marks a significant milestone—3,088 days since Joshua first captured the IBF title by defeating Charles Martin in April 2016. That night was pivotal for Joshua; it catapulted him onto the global stage and set the foundation for his career as a major boxing attraction.

The Evolution of a Champion

Much has changed since that inaugural title win. While the prospect of reclaiming the IBF belt is enticing, Joshua views it as merely a part of a larger narrative. At 34, with a professional record of 28 wins and 3 losses (25 KOs), the belt itself doesn’t hold the same profound meaning it once did. Instead, Joshua sees this bout as a stepping stone towards broader ambitions. Victory over Dubois, who sports a record of 21 wins and 2 losses (20 KOs), would not only reassert Joshua’s dominance but also position him for a direct shot at the winner of the rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury. A win could potentially pave the way for Joshua’s first shot at the undisputed heavyweight title, a career-defining moment he has yet to achieve.

A Changed Perspective

Reflecting on his journey, Joshua expresses a detached, almost philosophical view of his achievements. “I always say I would always compare and look back when it’s all said and done,” Joshua told Queensberry. “At the minute I’m just very chilled. Everything’s a blessing so I just get on with it.” This mindset underscores a pragmatic approach; the title is important, but Joshua’s focus remains on the broader objective of his career.

A Personal Evolution and a Rival’s Rise*

Joshua’s rivalry with Dubois adds an intriguing layer to the matchup. Their history traces back seven years to a sparring session in Sheffield, the details of which remain somewhat murky but have contributed to the palpable tension between the two fighters. Both Joshua and Dubois have undergone significant transformations since then.

Dubois, now 26, has demonstrated rapid development in his career. His recent victories over Jarrell Miller and Filip Hrgovic have silenced critics who questioned his resilience following defeats to Joe Joyce and Usyk. The younger fighter is beginning to develop the formidable aura that heavyweight champions are known for. While Dubois may not match Joshua’s polished public persona, he exudes a confidence and authenticity that resonate with fans.

Pre-Fight Tensions and Psychological Warfare

The pre-fight atmosphere has been charged, with tempers flaring during press events. Dubois, riding high from his performance against Hrgovic, refused to be intimidated by Joshua’s seniority. This clash of attitudes was evident during a recent roundtable discussion where Joshua attempted to assert his dominance, only for Dubois to remain steadfast and unyielding.

Joshua acknowledges the value of this pre-fight tension. He finds it instrumental in honing his focus and mental toughness. “I’ve always been that way,” Joshua remarked. “It’s a very unique job. The glitz and the glamor of it is very unique but when you strip it down to the core of it, let’s say you’re going to get two men to stand up in the ring in front of people and we want you to fight for 47 minutes. A lot of people couldn’t even fight for two minutes.” This warrior mindset, as Joshua describes, is integral to his approach, underscoring his commitment to the sport and his disdain for the idea of making friends within the ring.

The Road Ahead

As Joshua and Dubois prepare to face off, the fight represents more than just a title bout—it’s a culmination of years of growth, rivalry, and strategic positioning in the heavyweight division. For Joshua, it’s a chance to reaffirm his place among boxing’s elite and possibly set the stage for a historic run towards undisputed glory. For Dubois, it’s an opportunity to further cement his rise and challenge the established order.

 

As the countdown to September 21 continues, the anticipation builds. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how this epic confrontation will unfold and what it will mean for the future of heavyweight boxing.