Daniel Dubois believes he has perfectly timed his fight with Anthony Joshua at Wembley on Saturday. Two days after Joshua stated he is ‘ready to die’ in the ring in his quest to become a three-time world heavyweight champion, IBF king Dubois insisted his more experienced opponent is vulnerable to criticism.

It is predicated on the cautious approach that Joshua has taken since Andy Ruiz caused a seismic upset in 2019. Although he came back to win the fight, he was then defeated twice by Oleksandr Usyk. He hasn’t snarled in his previous two fights, victories over Otto Wallin and Francis Ngannou under the tutelage of new trainer Ben Davison, but Dubois believes there is still a vulnerability that can be exploited.

Anthony Joshua (left) and Daniel Dubois (right) square-up ahead of their world title clash

‘I need to take him back to that dark place and make him uncomfortable in there, make him break down in the ring. That’s what I plan to do. He’s right for the taking now,’ Dubois said.

Dubois believes AJ is ‘there for the taking’ and that the fight has come at the perfect time

‘I’m on the rise, I’ve got the momentum on my side. No more words – just fighting, punches. I’m ready to fight and destroy. Destroy.’

After taking a knee against Joe Joyce in 2020—despite having a damaged left eye socket—Dubois was called a quitter and had to begin healing from the pain caused by the ring.

The 27-year-old Londoner was knocked out in the ninth round after Usyk felled him with a jab the previous year, which some felt further damaged his reputation.

However, he has recovered, much like Anthony Joshua, with tough wins over Jarrell Miller and Filip Hrgovic before winning the IBF title after Usyk vacated in June to set up a rematch with Tyson Fury.

‘The last two fights were my redemption. This is about planting a flag – moving forward as a world champion. I’m just a hungry young lion right now,’ Dubois said.

‘I’m there to take the respect, you know. In boxing there’s no respect and I’m ready take it, retain my belt and still be world champion.’

Joshua is a heavy favourite to claim his fifth win in as many appearances at Wembley, but promoter Frank Warren believes the British rivals’ recent records tip significantly in Dubois’ favour.

‘Daniel’s fought much better quality opposition in his last few fights, no doubt about that,’ Queensberry boss Warren said.

‘He’s been the underdog in every one of those fights and he’s come through them and done what he’s had to do. The man who’s got all the pressure in him is AJ. He’s going into this as a favourite, according to a lot of people.

Joshua (pictured) is the favourite to win, but Dubois believes he can upset the odds on Saturday night.

‘He’s the one who cannot afford to lose this fight because he is 34 years old. What happens if he loses the fight?

‘I do not think Daniel will lose. Daniel punches harder and delivers more meaningful jabs. Each jab is offensive, whereas AJ’s jabs are designed to line you up.

‘I’d want to see AJ throw those bombs because it exposes him to the counter.’