Watch viral video: ‘This is business’ – Daniel Dubois celebrates 27th birthday by punching cake decorated with Anthony Joshua’s face
Daniel Dubois, the reigning IBF heavyweight champion, recently celebrated his 27th birthday in a manner that highlighted both his dedication and the seriousness with which he approaches his upcoming fight. Although Dubois has just turned a year older, he hasn’t allowed the occasion to distract him from his primary focus: defending his title against Anthony Joshua. The highly anticipated bout is set to take place at Wembley Stadium on September 21, and Dubois is deep in training, fully immersed in preparing for what is expected to be a challenging and high-stakes fight.
On the day of his birthday, Dubois took a brief break from his rigorous training regime to head to the gym, where his team of coaches had organized a small celebration. They had prepared a birthday cake adorned with a striking decoration—the face of Anthony Joshua, his upcoming opponent. The gesture was meant to mark the occasion and perhaps inject a bit of levity into Dubois’s intense training schedule. As the team gathered around to sing ‘Happy Birthday,’ Dubois’s reaction was anything but typical.
Upon hearing the song and seeing the cake, Dubois made a dramatic statement by halting the celebration. “Stop the music,” he instructed firmly, his focus shifting instantly from birthday cheer to the matter at hand. With a swift and decisive move, Dubois unleashed one of his powerful right-hand punches, smashing the cake into a burst of sugary chaos. The force of the punch scattered the cake’s remnants across the floor, a vivid representation of Dubois’s intent to dismantle his opponent’s aspirations in the ring.
As the cake fell apart, Dubois flashed a broad grin at the camera, fully aware of the symbolic gesture he had just performed. “This is business,” he declared, emphasizing his seriousness about the upcoming fight. Coach Don Charles, who had been holding the cake, responded with a playful feigned irritation, saying, “Be nice! It’s your birthday!” Despite the light-hearted banter, Dubois walked away from the camera but was clearly amused, chuckling as he left.
Dubois, often referred to by his nickname ‘Dynamite,’ is entering this fight as the underdog against the well-established Joshua. However, he is determined to make a significant impact and disrupt Joshua’s hopes of reclaiming the heavyweight championship for the third time. This bout represents a crucial moment in Dubois’s career, especially after his previous world title challenge against Oleksandr Usyk ended in disappointment. Since then, Dubois has rebounded strongly, achieving a career-best victory over Filip Hrgovic, whom he defeated by stoppage in the eighth round this past June.
As he prepares for this pivotal fight, Dubois exudes confidence and a sense of destiny. In an interview with talkSPORT’s “Hawksbee & Jacobs,” he expressed his belief that the fight against Joshua is his moment to shine. “I can’t wait; it is all written in the stars for me and I have to hold on to my belt,” Dubois asserted. He is focused on delivering a memorable performance that will leave a lasting impression on boxing fans. “I want to put on a show that no one will forget,” he continued. “I am just staying in my lane at the moment. I’m just sharpening up my tools, I need to hold on to my belt.”
Dubois’s preparation reflects his commitment to the fight, as he aims to be at his best come fight night. He emphasized that the upcoming match is more than just a title defense—it’s an opportunity for him to prove himself and secure a lasting legacy. “I just believe it is my time now, it is all on the line for me and it is time to shine,” he said. He is ready to take on the challenge and seize the moment. “It is my time to steal the show and reign for a long time. I’m ready to fight on the night, and ready to hear that first bell.”
As Dubois gears up for this monumental clash, the focus is squarely on ensuring he is fully prepared for the high stakes and the formidable opponent that lies ahead. The fight at Wembley Stadium is poised to be a defining moment in Dubois’s career, and he is determined to make the most of it, showcasing his skills and determination in the pursuit of victory.