In a night that will be etched into British boxing folklore, Daniel Dubois turned the heavyweight division on its head with a sensational fifth-round knockout of Anthony Joshua in front of 96,000 stunned fans at Wembley Stadium.

Dubois, defending his IBF crown, showed no fear as he tore into the two-time world champion from the first bell. While many doubted the 26-year-old’s ability to rise to the moment, it was Joshua who appeared frozen, unable to match the young champion’s energy or fire.

The fight started with an early shock as Dubois, known for his thunderous jab and power shots, floored Joshua with a crushing right hand in the opening round. The former Olympic gold medallist never fully recovered. A steady stream of stiff jabs and punishing hooks from Dubois kept Joshua off balance and on the defensive, preventing the Watford warrior from finding any rhythm.

By the third round, Joshua was once again down on the canvas, as a sharp left from Dubois crumpled him to the ropes. Though the crowd roared in an effort to lift their man, the chants of “AJ” began to fade under the relentless assault.

The fourth saw Joshua attempt to claw his way back, landing a few shots of his own, but it was too little, too late. Dubois, sensing the end was near, kept his composure and waited for the perfect moment to strike.

That moment arrived early in the fifth. After forcing Joshua onto the back foot with pinpoint pressure, Dubois unleashed a devastating counter right hand that detonated on Joshua’s chin. The ex-champion collapsed to the canvas and, despite his best efforts to rise, was counted out by the referee.  The knockout won the coveted Ring Magazine Knockout of the Year.

With the win, Dubois not only retained his IBF world title but announced himself as a major force in the heavyweight scene. Ringside observers, including current titleholders Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury, watched closely — and perhaps with new caution — as “Dynamite” Dubois celebrated the most important victory of his career.

As talk turns to rematch clauses and future title unifications, one thing is certain: Daniel Dubois has arrived as a true wrecking ball in boxing’s most glamorous division.

Daniel Dubois’s Previous Fight: vs Filip Hrgović 01.06.2024

Anthony Joshua’s Previous Fight: vs Francis Ngannou 08.03.2024

The post Daniel Dubois vs Anthony Joshua 21.09.2024 appeared first on Greatest Boxing.

In a clash that promised fireworks, Anthony Joshua delivered an emphatic reminder of his heavyweight pedigree by demolishing Francis Ngannou with a brutal second-round knockout in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.   Only three months had passed since Joshua forces Otto Wallin to retire on his stool.

The event, billed as “Knockout Chaos,” lived up to its name — but only for Joshua, who wasted little time in asserting his dominance. After an intense build-up and a card that ran well into the early hours, Joshua made the wait worthwhile with a clinical and devastating performance against the former UFC heavyweight king.

From the opening bell, Joshua showcased the poise and precision honed under trainer Ben Davison. Ngannou, entering just his second professional boxing bout, showed flashes of danger early, narrowly missing with a lead hand. But Joshua’s experience and timing told the story. A sharp right hand in the first round sent Ngannou sprawling to the canvas, a feat Tyson Fury could not achieve in their meeting months earlier.

The second round spelled the end. Joshua, composed yet predatory, dropped Ngannou again with a pinpoint shot to the ear. Although the Cameroonian powerhouse bravely rose to beat the count, the writing was on the wall. Moments later, a thunderous right hand from Joshua closed the show in savage fashion, leaving Ngannou unconscious before he even hit the canvas. Medical staff rushed to his aid as Joshua celebrated another career-defining knockout.

At 34, Joshua’s ambitions of reclaiming world championship gold remain very much alive. This victory marks his fourth in under a year, a clear resurgence after previous setbacks against Oleksandr Usyk. With Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk set to crown an undisputed champion later this year, Joshua has positioned himself perfectly to challenge the winner in a massive showdown.

Meanwhile, Ngannou, 0-2 in his boxing ventures, remains a compelling figure. His journey from humble beginnings in Cameroon to UFC stardom and now high-profile boxing matches captures the spirit of a true fighter. Though a boxing world title might now be out of reach, his next chapter, expected to unfold back in MMA with the PFL, promises more thrilling moments.

As the Saudi crowd watched history unfold, Joshua’s devastating finish sent a clear message: the former champion is not done yet. If anything, he’s just getting started again.

The post Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou 08.03.2024 appeared first on Greatest Boxing.

In the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Anthony Joshua reminded the world why he’s still a force in the heavyweight division, dispatching Sweden’s Otto Wallin in a brutal five-round encounter that left no doubt about his intentions to reclaim championship glory. From the opening bell, Joshua’s mission was clear: dominate, destroy, and deliver a message to the rest of the division.

Joshua, once known for his explosive knockout power, showcased a more refined approach—measured yet menacing. He stepped into the centre of the ring, commanding control with a steady jab, before unleashing devastating right crosses that began to wear down the Swedish southpaw early in the fight. Wallin, who once gave Tyson Fury a tough night, found himself completely outgunned by the resurgent Joshua.

As the rounds progressed, Joshua’s strategy became evident. He wasn’t just looking for a win; he was making a statement. A body shot in the first round sent a clear message to Wallin, and by the second, Joshua’s power had Wallin’s legs wobbling after a series of straight rights. Each punch seemed to carry the weight of Joshua’s ambition to return to the top, with the fifth round proving the most decisive. A thunderous right hand followed by a left hook sent Wallin stumbling, the Swede’s legs barely holding him up.

Wallin’s corner had seen enough. The onslaught from Joshua was relentless, and as the bell rang to end the fifth round, they made the decision to keep their man on the stool, preventing further damage and a knockout like Joshua’s last fight against Robert Helenius. It was a tactical retreat in the face of overwhelming power and precision from Joshua.

In front of a mixed crowd that included UFC star Conor McGregor and football icon Cristiano Ronaldo, Joshua put on a clinic. The empty seats in the Kingdom Arena didn’t detract from the significance of the victory. Joshua’s performance was a clear signal to the heavyweight division—he’s not just back, but he’s smarter, more composed, and deadlier than ever.

Joshua’s post-fight comments were as focused as his performance making it clear that this was just another step toward reclaiming a world title. With the heavyweight division in flux and potential matchups on the horizon, including a possible showdown for the IBF title, Joshua’s crushing win over Wallin sets the stage for an exciting chapter in his storied career.

The post Anthony Joshua vs Otto Wallin 23.12.2023 appeared first on Greatest Boxing.

In a night of heavyweight drama, Anthony Joshua returned to form with a sensational seventh-round knockout of Robert Helenius at London’s O2 Arena. The former unified champion showcased his devastating power, silencing critics and reigniting his title aspirations in a single, jaw-dropping moment.

The bout, originally slated as a rematch with Dillian Whyte, took an unexpected turn when Helenius stepped in on short notice. Despite the last-minute change, Joshua demonstrated the poise and patience of a seasoned champion, methodically breaking down his opponent before unleashing a fight-ending right hand that sent shockwaves through the division.

The early rounds saw Joshua employing a cautious approach, much to the chagrin of the packed arena. Boos echoed as the British star seemed content to probe and prod, looking for openings in Helenius’ defence. However, this measured strategy set the stage for a spectacular finish that will be replayed for years to come.

As the fight progressed, Joshua began to find his range, landing increasingly punishing shots. A thunderous right in the fourth round served as a warning shot, hinting at the explosive power lurking beneath the surface. Helenius, to his credit, showed remarkable resilience, weathering the storm and even landing some solid jabs of his own.

The turning point came in the seventh round when Joshua unleashed a masterful combination. A clever double feint followed by a lightning-fast right cross caught Helenius flush on the jaw, sending the Finnish fighter crashing to the canvas. The referee waved off the count, recognizing the devastating nature of the knockout.

This victory not only marks Joshua’s return to the win column but also serves as a statement to the heavyweight division. With talks of a potential showdown against Deontay Wilder gaining traction, Joshua’s performance has reignited interest in what could be one of the most anticipated fights in recent memory.

The O2 Arena erupted as Joshua celebrated, climbing out of the ring to high-five fans and share a moment with MMA superstar Conor McGregor. This display of jubilation and fan interaction underscored the magnetic appeal that has made Joshua one of boxing’s biggest draws.

As the dust settles on this thrilling encounter, the heavyweight landscape looks more exciting than ever. Joshua’s emphatic win has thrust him back into the title conversation, setting the stage for what promises to be an electrifying 2024 in the sport’s glamour division.

The post Anthony Joshua vs Robert Helenius 12.08.2023 appeared first on Greatest Boxing.

In a much-anticipated heavyweight showdown, Oleksandr Usyk reaffirmed his dominance over Anthony Joshua with a hard-fought split decision victory on August 20, 2022, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The bout, aptly dubbed “Rage on the Red Sea,” delivered on its promise of high drama and skill, as Usyk successfully defended his WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO titles while also claiming the vacant Ring Magazine belt.

From the opening bell, it was clear that Joshua entered the ring with a renewed sense of purpose, having learned from his previous defeat to Usyk nearly a year prior. This time, Joshua, under the tutelage of new trainer Robert Garcia, sought to impose his physicality and strategic adjustments. He came out aggressive, targeting Usyk’s body with precision, an area he had neglected in their first encounter.

Despite Joshua’s improved approach, Usyk once again demonstrated why he is regarded as one of the finest technicians in the sport. The Ukrainian maestro displayed superior ring intelligence, using his movement and footwork to frustrate Joshua’s attempts to corner him. Usyk’s southpaw stance and quicksilver combinations kept Joshua at bay, as the Brit struggled to find a consistent rhythm.

The middle rounds were where Usyk truly began to pull ahead. In the seventh and eighth rounds, he started to control the pace, landing crisp counters that tested Joshua’s resolve. Joshua’s moment of promise came in the ninth round when he unleashed a barrage of punches that momentarily had Usyk on the back foot. However, the champion’s resilience shone through as he weathered the storm and came roaring back in the tenth round, landing a series of punches that seemed to sap the last of Joshua’s energy.

As the fight entered the championship rounds, it became increasingly apparent that Usyk’s tactical acumen and superior conditioning were too much for Joshua to overcome. While one judge controversially scored the fight 115-113 in favour of Joshua, the other two rightly awarded Usyk with scores of 116-112 and 115-113, cementing his victory.

The aftermath saw a visibly emotional Joshua hurling Usyk’s belts out of the ring in frustration, before returning to deliver an impassioned, if disjointed, speech that touched on his personal journey and admiration for Usyk. The Ukrainian, ever the statesman, dedicated his victory to his war-torn homeland, Ukraine, and reiterated his desire to unify the heavyweight division by challenging Tyson Fury.

As the dust settles, Usyk’s triumph not only solidifies his place among boxing’s elite but also sets the stage for a potential mega-fight with Fury, with the undisputed heavyweight championship on the line. Joshua, meanwhile, is left to regroup and reconsider his path forward in a division that continues to evolve.

The post Oleksandr Usyk vs Anthony Joshua (2) 20.08.2022 appeared first on Greatest Boxing.

Usyk’s Masterclass Dethrones Joshua in Front of a Stunned London Crowd

In a top draw bout at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Oleksandr Usyk delivered a boxing clinic, dethroning Anthony Joshua to become the new unified heavyweight champion. The Ukrainian southpaw, renowned for his technical prowess, demonstrated why he is considered one of the most skilled boxers of his generation, outmanoeuvring and outpunching the British powerhouse over twelve rounds to secure a unanimous decision victory.

From the opening bell, Usyk’s strategy was clear: use his superior movement and ring IQ to keep the more powerful Joshua at bay. Joshua, known for his explosive knockouts, seemed cautious, perhaps too aware of Usyk’s reputation for dismantling opponents with precision rather than raw power. The London crowd, expecting another dominant performance from their hometown hero, watched as Usyk took control of the fight early, dictating the pace and rhythm.

The third round marked a turning point in the bout, as Usyk landed a sharp left hand that visibly shook Joshua. It was a warning sign that the night was not going to be an easy one for the reigning champion. Joshua, despite his size and reach advantage, struggled to land meaningful punches as Usyk’s elusive movement and feints kept him guessing. Usyk’s punches, while not as thunderous as Joshua’s, were crisp and accurate, leaving the Briton with little opportunity to establish his own game plan.

As the rounds progressed, the gap in skill became increasingly evident. Usyk’s combination of footwork and head movement frustrated Joshua, who found himself unable to mount a sustained offense. The Ukrainian’s superior conditioning also came into play, as he maintained his high pace and intensity throughout the fight, never allowing Joshua to rest or regroup. By the time the fight reached the championship rounds, Usyk was firmly in control, and Joshua’s chances of a comeback were dwindling.

In the final round, Usyk nearly sealed the victory with a barrage of punches that had Joshua reeling against the ropes. The bell, however, spared Joshua from a potential knockout, and the fight went to the judges’ scorecards. There was no suspense as all three judges scored the fight in favour of Usyk, handing Joshua his second professional defeat and shattering hopes of a future unification bout with Tyson Fury.

With this victory, Usyk joins the ranks of Evander Holyfield and David Haye as the only fighters to capture world titles at both cruiserweight and heavyweight. His performance in London not only solidified his place among the sport’s elite but also sent a clear message to the heavyweight division: Oleksandr Usyk is here to reign.

The post Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk 25.09.2021 appeared first on Greatest Boxing.

Anthony Joshua stamped his authority on the heavyweight division once again with a devastating ninth-round knockout over Kubrat Pulev at Wembley’s SSE Arena on December 12, 2020. In front of a raucous, COVID-limited crowd of 1,000 — and under the watchful eyes of legends like Floyd Mayweather — Joshua retained his WBA, IBF, and WBO world titles in emphatic fashion.

The clash had been a long time coming. Originally set for 2017, their first meeting fell through after Pulev withdrew with a shoulder injury just weeks before the bout, forcing Carlos Takam to step in. Fast forward to 2020, and after pandemic-related delays, the pair finally met under the bright lights.

From the outset, Joshua fought with a steely composure. The opening rounds saw the champion patiently pick his spots with a stiff jab, while Pulev, the seasoned Bulgarian veteran, sought opportunities to counter. However, it was in the third that Joshua truly shifted gears, trapping Pulev in the corner and unloading a fierce flurry that forced a standing count. A thunderous uppercut later sent Pulev to the canvas, but the challenger showcased immense grit by surviving to the bell.

Despite a spirited effort from Pulev, who even managed to steal a round on some scorecards, Joshua’s precision and poise told the story. The seventh round saw Joshua dig in heavy uppercuts, signalling the beginning of the end. Pulev, whose only prior loss came against Wladimir Klitschko, refused to yield easily, but Joshua’s relentless assault left little doubt.

The final act came in the ninth. After dropping Pulev with another sharp barrage, Joshua closed the show moments later with a perfectly-timed right hand that sent the challenger crashing down, bloodied and beaten. Pulev bravely tried to rise, but the referee waved it off, handing Joshua a spectacular knockout victory — his first inside the distance since 2018.

Now sitting at 24-1 with 22 knockouts, Joshua’s dominant performance has only intensified calls for a historic all-British clash against undefeated WBC champion Tyson Fury to crown an undisputed king.

With heavyweight boxing’s landscape on the brink of one of its greatest modern showdowns, Anthony Joshua’s statement win over Kubrat Pulev reminds the world that the road to undisputed still runs through “AJ.”

The post Anthony Joshua vs Kubrat Pulev 12.12.2020 appeared first on Greatest Boxing.

In a night brimming with high stakes and redemption, Anthony Joshua showcased the true grit of a champion, outmanoeuvring Andy Ruiz Jr. over twelve tactical rounds to reclaim the unified heavyweight crown at Diriyah Arena in Saudi Arabia.

After suffering a shocking setback in New York earlier that year, Joshua entered the rematch with purpose etched into every move. From the opening bell, the British powerhouse stuck religiously to a disciplined game plan, using his superior reach, sharp footwork, and stinging jab to neutralize Ruiz’s dangerous advances. No longer the brawler seen in Madison Square Garden, Joshua transformed into a master technician, turning the ring into a canvas and painting a strategic masterpiece.

The judges’ scorecards — 119-109, 118-110, and 118-110 — reflected the clear dominance Joshua displayed. Throughout the bout, he connected with 29% of his total punches, particularly peppering Ruiz with an array of stiff jabs that kept the Mexican-American challenger at bay. Ruiz, although game, struggled to break through Joshua’s calculated defences, landing only 23% of his own punches.

Ruiz found some success in isolated exchanges, notably in the middle rounds where he managed to close the distance and land a few heavy shots. But his inability to consistently cut off the ring left him chasing shadows as Joshua danced just out of reach, resetting the rhythm and reasserting control with crisp combinations.

The much-hyped rematch, dubbed “Clash on the Dunes,” was a testament not only to Joshua’s physical preparation but also to his mental fortitude. With £30 million invested by Saudi authorities to host the historic event, all eyes were on the heavyweight division’s future — and Joshua delivered under pressure with a poised, intelligent performance that erased the doubts swirling after their first encounter.

Post-fight, Ruiz called for a trilogy bout, expressing regret for what he admitted was a lack of preparation. Whether fans will see a third instalment remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: Anthony Joshua silenced critics and reminded the boxing world why he remains one of the sport’s elite warriors.

With the heavyweight landscape now wide open again, the anticipation builds for what’s next for the two-time unified champion. The sweet science was on full display in Diriyah — and it was Anthony Joshua who penned his own redemption story under the desert stars.

The post Andy Ruiz Jr vs Anthony Joshua 2 07.12.2019 appeared first on Greatest Boxing.

On a night destined for history, Andy Ruiz Jr. shattered expectations and Anthony Joshua’s unbeaten streak with a seismic seventh-round stoppage at Madison Square Garden. The 25-1 underdog tore through the champion’s defences, toppling Joshua four times before the referee mercifully waved the contest off — crowning Ruiz the new unified heavyweight champion and the first of Mexican heritage to achieve the feat.

Originally pegged as a stand-in after Jarrell Miller failed drug tests, Ruiz seized his golden ticket with a fearless performance that shook the boxing world to its core. Madison Square Garden, primed for Joshua’s American debut, instead witnessed a masterclass in determination and tenacity.

Joshua had entered the bout with an aura of invincibility, holding the WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO titles, and coming off dominant wins over Alexander Povetkin and Joseph Parker. For six minutes, the Brit appeared poised to maintain order, even flooring Ruiz in the third round with a sharp left. But that fleeting moment of dominance evaporated when Ruiz countered with a heavy right to the temple, exposing cracks in Joshua’s armour.

The drama of the third round stunned the 19,000 in attendance. Ruiz’s relentless follow-up attack floored Joshua twice before the bell, setting a tone of chaos that Joshua never truly escaped. As rounds wore on, the champion appeared increasingly drained, while Ruiz — nimble despite his stocky frame — kept pressing the action with crisp combinations.

The seventh round sealed the upset. Ruiz’s precision forced Joshua down twice more, with the second knockdown leaving Joshua visibly dazed, mouthguard spat out, and clinging to the ropes. Referee Michael Griffin had seen enough and ended the contest, awarding Ruiz a breath-taking TKO victory.

At the time of the stoppage, Ruiz was narrowly ahead on two scorecards, while the third judge had Joshua in front — a testament to how quickly the momentum had swung.

In a division plotting grand showdowns between Joshua, Deontay Wilder, and Tyson Fury, Ruiz tore the script to shreds. His triumph echoed the great upsets of the past, drawing inevitable comparisons to Buster Douglas’ toppling of Mike Tyson and Hasim Rahman’s conquest of Lennox Lewis.

For Ruiz, it was history in one unforgettable night. For Joshua, a sobering reminder that in heavyweight boxing, one punch can change everything.

The post Anthony Joshua vs Andy Ruiz Jr 01.06.2019 appeared first on Greatest Boxing.

On a rain-slicked night at Wembley Stadium, Anthony Joshua solidified his claim as the heavyweight division’s dominant force, stopping Alexander Povetkin with a devastating seventh-round technical knockout. With the WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO belts on the line, Joshua demonstrated poise, precision, and punishing power against one of the most seasoned challengers of his era.

Povetkin, the 2004 Olympic gold medallist and former world title contender, entered the bout with only a single blemish on his professional record. Yet from the opening bell, it was clear he came to fight, troubling Joshua early with sharp combinations and clever footwork. A powerful left in the dying seconds of the first round bloodied Joshua’s nose, signalling that the Briton was in for a battle.

Joshua, unfazed by the early adversity, quickly adapted. Utilizing his superior reach and tactical acumen, the champion found success behind a crisp jab and measured straight rights. Povetkin, undeterred, pressed forward, looking for openings with hooks to head and body, but began to show signs of wear with cuts forming over both eyes by the fourth round.

The middle rounds saw a tactical chess match unfold, as Joshua controlled the distance while Povetkin sought to disrupt the rhythm with sudden bursts. However, the Russian’s advances left him vulnerable to counters, and Joshua patiently waited for his moment.

That moment came midway through the seventh. A thunderous right hand rocked Povetkin, sending shockwaves through the packed stadium. Smelling blood, Joshua unleashed a brutal left-right combination that floored the challenger. Though Povetkin bravely rose before the count concluded, he staggered helplessly into the ropes under another vicious barrage, forcing referee Steve Gray to halt the contest at 1:59 of the round.

At the time of the stoppage, Joshua was comfortably ahead on all three scorecards, highlighting his control of the bout despite Povetkin’s early success.

This victory marked another milestone for Joshua, who continues to carve a legacy few can rival. Unlike many legends of the sport, who only captured world titles after long apprenticeships, Joshua has now defended his crown multiple times within just 22 fights.

Though negotiations with Deontay Wilder had initially dominated headlines, Joshua’s focused dismantling of Povetkin sent a clear message: he remains the man to beat in the heavyweight division. With future super fights looming, Joshua’s reign shows no sign of slowing.

The post Anthony Joshua vs Alexander Povetkin 22.09.2018 appeared first on Greatest Boxing.