Daniel Dubois has not held back in the build-up to his date of destiny, saying that he wants to “make a fool” of IBF world heavyweight title challenger Anthony Joshua. With Oleksandr Usky vacating the belt to face off once more against Tyson Fury, Dubois is ready to “slay the king” at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, September 21, live on TNT Sports Box Office and discovery+.

Daniel Dubois says he intends to “make a fool” out of Anthony Joshua ahead of their IBF world heavyweight title showdown.

Due to face off at Wembley stadium on Saturday, September 21 – live on TNT Sports Box Office and discovery+ – Dubois was in a bullish mood in a video released on promoter Queensberry’s YouTube channel.

After former undisputed champion of the world Oleksandr Usyk vacated his IBF belt to rematch Tyson Fury in December, Dubois was upgraded to interim champion.

Daniel Dubois speaks to the media as Frank Warren, Boxing Promoter of Queensberry looks on during the Anthony Joshua v Daniel Dubois IBF Heavyweight World Title fight announcement press conference at OVO Arena Wembley on June 26, 2024 in London, England. Queensberry, Matchroom and Riyadh Season announce a show at Wembley Stadium in September.

And the 26-year-old was unequivocal in his intentions for the bout, which he called “definitely bigger” than his defeat to Usyk in August of last year.

“I’m not here to talk foolishness,” said Dubois. “But I want to make a fool out of AJ by knocking him out and put all the doubters and the critics to sleep.

“This is definitely bigger than the Usyk fight. This is definitely the lion’s den, this one.

“Topping a bill with a major elite fighter, a guy that’s been up there for a long time, now I feel like it’s the right time to knock him off that pedestal and take the front.

“I looked at him as the guy that’s leading the way for British fighters, British heavyweights, British boxing.

“So he’s been the king for a long time, and now is my time. I need to dethrone the king and slay the king, and that’s what I’m going to have to do.”

‘Dynamite’ hit the headlines in June by announcing that he floored Joshua in sparring, when the latter had just turned professional.

Joshua strenuously denied the claims, though admitted that Dubois had “cracked” him.

But the latter insisted that he was tougher, both physically and mentally, than he was seven years ago.

Dubois said: “I’m a different guy now. Harder punching and stronger will and that’s what this fight is going to come down to, the spirit and the will of each fighter.”

Dubois’ last fight saw him defeat Filip Hrgovic via TKO and become the IBF interim champion.

After taking several heavy blows, Dubois grew into the contest and looked to have gained the upper hand before cuts above both Hrgovic’s eyes brought a halt to proceedings.

And he questioned Joshua’s ability to withstand the force of the Croatian and recover as he did.

“I won’t take them shots,” promised Dubois. “Hrgovic is completely different to AJ. The way he throws his shots, it’s smooth, he’s light and he’s quick. So it took me a while to get the hang of it.

“If you look at the fight properly I was slipping, just subtly sometimes and doing what I had to do to win and that’s what I’m going to have to do again.

“Break Joshua, break what’s in front of me down and get a victory by any means necessary. Could he take them shots Hrgovic was throwing?”