In just over two months, the highly anticipated English derby between Daniel Dubois, the fresh IBF heavyweight world champion after Oleksandr Usyk vacated the title, and Anthony Joshua, who will seek to become champion for the third time in his career, will take place at Wembley. Many, due to the characteristics of the two boxers, expect a fierce battle, but promoter Eddie Hearn is convinced that such a scenario would result in Dubois ending up on the canvas, as he recently confided to BoxingScene:
“Both are going to be letting their hands go, both are very dangerous. Some people call it a ‘shootout’. But I think ‘AJ’s’ top sniper. He’s too accurate; he’s too good; and I think if you’re going to get hit against Anthony Joshua you’re going to have serious problems, and AJ’s not gonna stand in front of him like Filip Hrgovic and just ship shots.“
Hearn agrees with those expecting a great show:
“It’s two very dangerous heavyweight punchers, who are in the form and confidence of their career. For Dubois, the Miller and the Hrgovic fight have taken him to the most dangerous point of his career so far. It’s not a good time to fight Dubois, and it’s definitely not a good time to fight AJ. The key points for me are two massive punchers in their absolute primes.”
We will see if the derby will meet the fans’ high expectations.