Anthony Joshua is set to fight this September at Wembley Stadium and there are a few names lining up to fill the opposite corner.
On a four-fight win streak, Joshua has looked destructive since teaming up with trainer Ben Davison. His goal is clear, become world champion once more after losing his unified titles to Oleksandr Usyk – who is now undisputed – back in 2021.
The route there may be simpler than once expected. The IBF is expected to force Usyk to vacate in the coming months because he cannot fulfil his mandatory duties due to a rematch with Tyson Fury in December.
Should that be the case, the vacant title will be fought for by the top two challengers in the rankings. Joshua was behind Filip Hrgovic until the Croatian was handed his first defeat by 26-year-old Daniel Dubois this weekend.
In an interview with Boxing King Media, Dubois spoke on his mentality for the fight.
“Queensberry did it tonight. An amazing show. I meant business tonight, we had to come through that fight. It’s the rebirth, just the beginning. I needed to show grit and determination. With my dad and Frank Warren behind me, the sky’s the limit from here. I did what I had to do to win, whatever it took. By any means necessary.”
It has been well publicised that the winner on the night would be the most likely opponent for Joshua in September. When asked about it, Dubois said he will ‘demolish’ the two-time world champion.
“That’s what I’ve been hearing, so let’s see. [Being world champion] is a dream. From challenging for the world title to getting the chance to win the damn thing outright, that’s what I want.
I’ll demolish Joshua. I’ll get even better from here.”
There is a press conference scheduled in the coming weeks to announce ‘AJ’s return.