Anthony Joshua became the latest victim of Daniel Dubois’ extraordinary rise through the heavyweight hierarchy when the IBF world champion proved himself worthy of the mantle with a show-stopping knockout – and what a show it was to stop. Still, former WBC cruiserweight champion Tony Bellew has declared that Dubois would not be able to repeat the feat if the pair were to meet again.
‘Dynamite’ Dubois exploded onto Joshua from the sound of the opening bell onwards in front of a record-breaking 96,000 strong crowd at Wembley Stadium last weekend, stepping through the ropes as an overlooked champion but exiting through them as both a household name and a worthy title-holder.
Just days since the contest and talks of an immediate rematch are already dominating the headlines, many refusing to accept that the long-standing poster boy of British boxing could be battered from pillar to post in such an authoritative manner. Today it has emerged that Turki Al-Alshikh is one of those fans beckoning on a second encounter, and as we have discovered since the Saudi kingpin’s involvement in the sport – his wishes usually come true.
Speaking with Instant Casino, Tony Bellew outlined his belief that tactics were Joshua’s downfall in Saturday’s perceived changing of the guard rather than a decline or deficit in ability, favouring ‘AJ’ to come out on top in the rematch, which he believes will last less time than the five rounds that Joshua was able to withstand at the weekend.
“If he takes the immediate rematch, is it one I think he can win? Absolutely. If Anthony Joshua comes out and lets his hands go and meets Daniel Dubois head on and lands first, the fight is over, but he didn’t and that’s not what happened. If Anthony Joshua meets him head on and lets his hands go, it’s George Foreman and Ron Lyle all over again but I’ll tell you something, it’s over even quicker.
“When your attributes stack up better than your opponent’s attributes – when you’re a little bit faster than your opponent, stronger, better technical ability, better footwork, better defence – I don’t understand why you don’t get into exchanges with them straight away.
“If you’re a bit quicker, you’re going to get there first. If you’re a bit more explosive, the shots are going to be more damaging. AJ just didn’t take that approach and that’s on him and the team.”
Should Joshua instead look elsewhere for his return to the ring, Bellew went on to explain that Joseph Parker is the man most deserving of a shot at Dubois’ throne, following on from impressive victories against Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang.
“If Anthony Joshua doesn’t take an immediate rematch, I think there’s only one person in the world of boxing who deserves that shot at Daniel Dubois, and I think that’s Joseph Parker. Nobody in the heavyweight division has taken the people on that Joseph Parker has, nobody.
“Joseph Parker has faced two bogeymen who no one wants to go near back-to-back. He fought Deontay Wilder and literally beat him up, and then he went in with Zhilei Zhang against all the doubters. I thought he’d lose twice and he proved me wrong. Give Parker a shot at Dubois.”
Eddie Hearn has revealed that any such rematch between Joshua and Dubois would not be possible in the near future, due to the fact that the two-time heavyweight champion will understandably need sufficient time to recover from the brutal beatdown.
Boxing Social is now on WhatsApp! Join our channel by clicking here and getting all the latest boxing news direct to your phone.
Major prizes on offer with R Kings Competition | Be Gamble Aware | When The Fun Stops, STOP! | 18+. Play Safe.