Anthony Joshua Names The Former Heavyweight Champion Dubois Reminds Him Of: “He’s Not Like Me

Anthony Joshua Names the Former Heavyweight Champion Dubois Reminds Him Of: “He’s Not Like Me”

Anthony Joshua, the two-time heavyweight world champion, recently shared his thoughts on fellow British heavyweight Daniel Dubois. While Dubois is often touted as a rising star in the division, Joshua made a point of comparing the young fighter to a former heavyweight champion, though with a key distinction: “He’s not like me.”

Joshua, who has held the WBA, IBF, WBO, and IBO titles, knows the pressures that come with being at the top of the heavyweight division. He’s been through the highs of world championships and the lows of unexpected defeats. Speaking candidly about Dubois, Joshua drew parallels between the 25-year-old fighter and former heavyweight champion Frank Bruno. Bruno, like Dubois, was known for his physical power, muscular build, and knockout ability, characteristics that have become synonymous with the traditional British heavyweight boxer.

Joshua’s Take on Dubois and Bruno

“Dubois reminds me of Frank Bruno,” Joshua said in a recent interview. “He’s a strong guy, built like a tank, and he’s got the punch to match. But the difference is in the mentality and approach. He’s not like me.”

While Joshua respects Dubois’ potential, he was quick to note the differences in their paths. Joshua emphasized that his own journey has been about refining a complete boxing style—one that goes beyond brute strength. Joshua’s experience at the highest level, including battles against elite fighters such as Wladimir Klitschko, Andy Ruiz Jr., and Oleksandr Usyk, has shaped him into a more versatile and technically sound boxer.

“In the heavyweight division, power alone isn’t enough,” Joshua said. “Dubois has shown he’s got the punch, but the real test is when you face adversity, when you have to rely on more than just power to get through fights.”

Dubois’ Up-and-Down Journey

Dubois has shown flashes of brilliance, with an impressive record of knockouts that have earned him a spot among heavyweight contenders. However, his 2020 loss to Joe Joyce raised questions about his ability to handle adversity. In that fight, Dubois sustained an eye injury and was eventually stopped in the 10th round, leading some to criticize his decision to take a knee.

Since that defeat, Dubois has bounced back with several wins, including a shot at the WBA (Regular) heavyweight title. However, many believe that Dubois is still a work in progress, especially when compared to the elite fighters in the division.

Joshua acknowledged this as well, stating, “Frank Bruno had to face tough challenges throughout his career, and Dubois will have to do the same. It’s about how you come back from setbacks and evolve as a fighter.”

The Evolution of Joshua

Unlike Dubois, Joshua’s career has been defined by his ability to adapt and learn from defeat. His loss to Andy Ruiz Jr. in 2019 was a major setback, but Joshua bounced back with a disciplined, tactical performance in the rematch to regain his titles. His recent bouts, including two losses to Oleksandr Usyk, have also shown his willingness to step into the ring with the very best, even if it means facing defeat.

Joshua’s comments about Dubois may reflect a desire to see the younger fighter develop a more rounded style. “I had to learn that being strong isn’t enough. It’s about ring IQ, movement, and knowing how to handle pressure when things aren’t going your way,” he said.

Dubois’ Future in the Heavyweight Division

Dubois’ potential is undeniable, but Joshua’s analysis highlights the fine line between being a knockout artist and a world-class heavyweight champion. While the comparison to Bruno is flattering in terms of physical attributes and power, Joshua’s message seems clear: Dubois will need to evolve his game if he hopes to dominate in the way Joshua has over the years.

The heavyweight division remains one of the most exciting and unpredictable landscapes in boxing. With veterans like Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder still at the top and emerging fighters like Dubois looking to make their mark, the path to the title is far from easy. For Dubois, the challenge is not just in his fists but in his ability to grow as a boxer.

As Joshua concluded, “He’s got the potential, but potential doesn’t win you world titles. It’s what you do with it that counts.”