BOXING
Boxing champions give predictions for Anthony Joshua - Daniel Dubois fight
Some of the biggest names in fighting, champions old and new have weighed in with their predictions of the upcoming Anthony Joshua - Daniel Dubois bout.
As anticipation builds for a potential showdown between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois, some of boxing’s most respected voices have weighed in with their thoughts on how the fight might unfold. Predictions are flying from all corners of the sport, and while opinions vary, there’s a common thread—this matchup could come down to a battle between raw power and polished skill.
Joseph Parker
As a man who’s been in the ring with Joshua himself, Parker sees the advantage leaning toward the former champion. “Joshua is the more skilled and experienced fighter,” Parker says, acknowledging Dubois’ knockout power but placing his bet on Joshua’s technical edge and years in the game. He believes that experience will make the difference when things get heated.
Carl Froch
Former Matchroom and Rob McCracken stablemate Froch shares a similar sentiment. Froch, known for his gritty fighting style and resilience, believes Joshua’s experience will give him the upper hand. “Dubois has power, no doubt, but against someone like Joshua, he might find himself outclassed.” Still, Froch is quick to point out that power can level any playing field if Dubois manages to land a clean shot.
Dillian Whyte
A longtime rival of Joshua, Whyte offers a slightly different take. He urges Joshua to come out swinging early. “Dubois’ power is real. If he gets his jab going and builds confidence, Joshua could be in for a long night.” Whyte, who knows Joshua’s strengths and weaknesses better than most, warns that Dubois’ strength could cause problems if AJ isn’t aggressive from the start.
Tony Bellew
Ever the Scouse man, Bellew is more blunt in his prediction. Bellew expects Joshua to dominate from the outset, predicting an early stoppage. “Two rounds, tops. Joshua’s got the speed, power, and defense to put Dubois away early,” he says with the kind of certainty that comes from having seen it all inside the ropes.
Ricky Hatton
One of Britain’s most beloved champions, the “Hitman” seems to agree with Bellew but is a bit more cautious. He predicts that Joshua will outbox Dubois and eventually put him down. Still, he doesn’t write off Dubois entirely. “He’s got a puncher’s chance,” Hatton admits. A single punch, after all, can turn the tide in a heavyweight fight faster than anything else.
Johnny Nelson
Perhaps the greatest ever cruiserweight champion, Nelson is another well-seasoned voice in British boxing, and he echoes Hatton’s thoughts. He believes Joshua’s experience and ring savvy will lead to a knockout win. Like most, though, he acknowledges Dubois’ power, warning that if Joshua isn’t careful, things could go south in an instant. “This fight won’t go the distance,” Nelson predicts, “but it’s about who lands clean first.”
Malik Scott
Across the Atlantic, the opinion is much of the same vein. Deontay Wilder’s trainer, Malik Scott, adds his perspective to the mix. Scott believes Joshua’s technique and experience will carry him to victory, predicting a stoppage between rounds four and seven. “Dubois is tough, no question, but Joshua’s skills will break him down.” Scott sees Joshua’s superior technique as the deciding factor, expecting AJ to take control after feeling Dubois out in the early rounds.
Robert Garcia
Joshua’s former trainer, Garcia also foresees a knockout win for his former charge. “AJ’s confidence is back,” Garcia notes, reflecting on Joshua’s recent return to form. He believes that momentum, combined with Joshua’s experience, will prove too much for Dubois, despite the younger fighter’s punching power and heart.
The clash between Joshua and Dubois promises to be a collision of styles - Joshua, the former two-time heavyweight champion, coming off a heavy-handed knockout of Francis Ngannou, boasts a record of 28 wins and 3 losses, with 25 of those wins coming by knockout. Dubois, the hammer-fisted underdog, carries a 21-2 record with 20 knockouts, stopping both Filip Hrgovic and Jarrell Miller after suffering a defeat at the hands of Oleksandr Usyk last year.
As the boxing world waits to see if this fight gets made, one thing is clear - Joshua’s experience and technical prowess may very well be tested by Dubois’ raw power. The real question is whether Dubois can land the kind of punch that changes everything, or if Joshua will show once again why he’s been at the top for so long.