Daniel Dubois successfully defended his IBF world heavyweight title with a fifth-round knockout of Anthony Joshua in an all-British showdown at Wembley on Saturday.
The 27-year-old fighter controlled the early rounds, knocking the two-time former champion down multiple times. In a tense fifth round, Dubois was briefly stunned by two right hands from Joshua. However, as Joshua attempted to capitalize, he was caught by successive rights from Dubois and went down, unable to beat the count.
“Are you not entertained?” Dubois exclaimed to roaring cheers from the crowd. “I’m a gladiator. I am a warrior to the bitter end. I want to get to the top level of this sport and reach my potential.”
Earlier this year, Ukraine’s Oleksandr Usyk became the first four-belt undisputed heavyweight champion by defeating Tyson Fury, holding the IBF title along with the WBO, WBC, and WBA. Usyk opted for a rematch with Fury rather than face Dubois, the mandatory IBF challenger. Dubois, who won the interim IBF title in June, was elevated to world champion status after Usyk vacated the belt.
