Anthony Joshua’s Reaction to Frank Warren’s Questionable Claim Warren claimed that Daniel Dubois gave Oleksandr Usyk a bigger test than Anthony Joshua
In just under three weeks, boxing fans will witness a highly anticipated heavyweight clash as Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois meet in a packed Wembley Stadium. This all-British bout is set to be one of the most significant heavyweight fights in recent history.
As the fight draws closer, DAZN has released an insightful full-length episode featuring a face-to-face sit-down with Joshua and Dubois, accompanied by their respective promoters, Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren. This episode delves into their perspectives and adds a layer of intrigue to their forthcoming bout.
A particular moment from the episode has gained considerable attention. In a segment, Frank Warren makes a passing remark suggesting that Daniel Dubois presented a greater challenge to Oleksandr Usyk than Anthony Joshua did. Warren’s comment insinuates that Dubois was the toughest opponent Usyk faced until he met Tyson Fury. This statement has sparked a noticeable reaction from Anthony Joshua.
Joshua’s response to Warren’s assertion was one of visible surprise mixed with a hint of restrained amusement. Both Joshua and Hearn exchanged looks, clearly taken aback by the claim. It was evident that Joshua found Warren’s comment perplexing and perhaps a bit amusing, given the context of their past encounters with Usyk.
Joshua’s experiences with Usyk are well documented. Despite being defeated in both of their encounters, Joshua’s bouts with the Ukrainian heavyweight were far from one-sided. The second fight, in particular, was a fierce contest, and Joshua’s performance was notable for its competitiveness and technical skill. Although Joshua lost, the fight was closely contested, with Usyk earning a split decision victory. This second encounter between Joshua and Usyk is widely regarded as one of Joshua’s most impressive performances in recent years, despite the loss.
In contrast, Daniel Dubois, who fought Usyk in August 2023, did manage to have some impactful moments. Dubois, despite being knocked out in the ninth round, had a notable instance where he dropped Usyk with what was initially perceived as a legal body shot. This moment of controversy arose because the shot was deemed to be below the belt and thus ruled an illegal blow. Despite this contentious moment, Dubois was competitive in the bout, showing resilience and aggression.
Nevertheless, when comparing Dubois’ performance to Joshua’s two fights against Usyk, the differences are striking. Joshua, with his higher level of experience and technical prowess, arguably provided Usyk with a more significant challenge. In their second fight, Joshua’s approach and skill level posed a considerable threat, showcasing his ability to adapt and improve upon his first encounter with Usyk.
Warren’s claim that Dubois was a tougher test for Usyk is thus a contentious point. While Dubois had moments of success and a controversial knockdown, the overall challenge he presented was not on par with the sustained pressure and technical difficulty Joshua imposed. The second Joshua-Usyk fight, in particular, highlighted Joshua’s ability to push Usyk to his limits, showcasing a level of competitiveness that was more profound than Dubois’ performance.
The upcoming fight between Joshua and Dubois is set to be a defining moment for both fighters. For Joshua, it represents a chance to reassert his dominance and return to winning ways. For Dubois, it is an opportunity to solidify his reputation and demonstrate his ability to compete at the highest levels. The clash at Wembley Stadium will not only be a significant event in British boxing but also a moment that could shape the future trajectories of both heavyweight contenders.