Daniel Dubois successfully defended his IBF world heavyweight title with a fifth-round knockout of Anthony Joshua in a thrilling all-British showdown at Wembley on Saturday.
The 27-year-old took control early in the fight, knocking down the two-time former unified heavyweight champion several times. In a dramatic fifth round, Dubois was briefly shaken by two right hands, but as Joshua tried to capitalize, Dubois responded with a pair of powerful right hands that sent Joshua to the canvas once more. This time, Joshua couldn’t beat the count.
“Are you not entertained?” Dubois exclaimed to a roaring Wembley crowd. “I’m a gladiator, a warrior to the bitter end. I want to reach the top level of this sport and fulfill my potential.”
Ukraine's Oleksandr Usyk became boxing’s first undisputed heavyweight champion across all four major belts in May after defeating Tyson Fury, which included holding the IBF title. However, Usyk chose to face Fury in a rematch instead of fighting mandatory IBF challenger Dubois.
Dubois, who claimed the interim IBF title in June, was elevated to world champion status after Usyk vacated the belt.