Following Joshua Joshua’s historic victory over Croatian boxer Filip Hrgovic, 26-year-old Londoner Daniel Dubois has issued a challenge to Anthony Joshua for a major heavyweight bout.

Following his impressive stoppage victory over Filip Hrgovic, Daniel Dubois has stated that he hopes to face Anthony Joshua in an all-British heavyweight fight.

Hrgovic comfortably led the opening two rounds of the fourth bout in the 5 vs 5 event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday night, and Dubois, 26, had a terrible start. Still, as blood gushed from Hrgovic’s face in the seventh round, Dubois became more comfortable in the fight and sensed his chance.

He took that chance with both hands and landed some punishing blows to Hrgovic who was stopped by referee John Latham as he walked into the neutral corner and called the doctor. After a brief exam, the fight was called off and Dubois was crowned IBF interim world heavyweight title champion.

Dubois has now set up a potential fight against Joshua later this year. Speaking about the proposed bout, he said: “I hope the next opponent would be AJ so bring it on. This is my era and this is my time.”

“I have full respect for the guy, to come through that was a learning experience,” he added. “I’m glad I got the belt and on to the next. I was a bit cold to start off with, I had the corner advice, Frank Warren and my dad.

“I ate some shots but it was only to wake me up. The first few shots stung but they woke me up. I’m so proud of myself. It is all a learning experience. We are back on top. It has felt like a rollercoaster.”

Daniel Dubois during his win over Filip Hrgovic.

Promoter Frank Warren said that fight could be at Wembley, London in September. The defeat was a first professional loss for Croatia’s Hrgovic, while Dubois now has 21 victories and two losses to his name, including one defeat against undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Uysk.

Deontay Wilder topped the bill in Riyadh as he took on Zhilei Zhang but the Bronze Bomber looked a shadow of his former self, as he had done during his defeat against Joseph Parker last time out. Zhang ended up victorious following a stunning fifth round stoppage victory over Wilder.

“I lost to (Joseph) Parker, it was a fair loss. He was the better man that night. I’ve learned since then. As long as the bell doesn’t ring, stay focused,” said Zhang.

“I have to pretend Wilder didn’t have a right hand and I successfully took it away. Road to the championship.”