Hearn Predicts Joshua’s Precision Will Prevail in High-Stakes Clash

Eddie Hearn has cautioned Daniel Dubois that he will be “outgunned” if he tries to trade punches with Anthony Joshua.

The 26-year-old Dubois (21-2 20 KOs), will make his first defence of the IBF heavyweight title against Joshua at Wembley Stadium on September 21. This comes after consecutive victories over Jarrell Miller and Filip Hrgovic, where he showcased his ability to both deliver and withstand significant punishment.

Joshua (28-3 25 KOs), last willingly traded blows with an opponent in 2019, resulting in an unexpected loss to Andy Ruiz. Despite this, the 34-year-old and Dubois had to be separated during their initial face-off as opponents, and the expected aggression in their fight suggests that the match will likely be decided by whoever lands the first explosive punch.

Since his first career defeat by Andy Ruiz, Olympic gold medallist Joshua has aimed to develop a more refined fighting style. In contrast, Dubois has gained confidence by standing up to heavy-handed opponents. However, Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, insists that Dubois would be making a mistake if he tries to adopt the same approach against Joshua.

“Both are going to be letting their hands go. Both are very dangerous. Some people call it a ‘shootout’. But I think ‘AJ’s’ top sniper. He’s too accurate; he’s too good; and I think if you’re going to get hit against Anthony Joshua you’re going to have serious problems, and AJ’s not gonna stand in front of him like Filip Hrgovic and just ship shots. It’s two very dangerous heavyweight punchers, who are in the form and confidence of their career. For Dubois, the Miller and the Hrgovic fight have taken him to the most dangerous point of his career so far. It’s not a good time to fight Dubois, and it’s definitely not a good time to fight AJ. The key points for me are two massive punchers in their absolute primes,” Eddie Hearn said in media reports.

Deontay Wilder’s defeat in June by Zhilei Zhang finally ended long-term hopes of a fight between him and Joshua, and when asked if Dubois-Joshua represented the closest fight to that he once expected between Joshua and Wilder, Hearn stated: “Joshua-Wilder was a unique fight. But the similarities between the fights are – again, they’re two massive punchers, and fast punchers. In that respect, it’s a fight that captures the imagination because it’s very dangerous.”