Anthony Joshua breaks boxing rule moments earlier than going through Daniel Dubois in defeat
The clash between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois saw a breach of protocol before the first punch was even thrown.
Daniel Dubois, despite being the reigning world champion, made his way to the ring ahead of Anthony Joshua in their much-anticipated fight. This marked Dubois’ first defence of his world title, which he had been promoted to after Oleksandr Usyk chose to relinquish his IBF belt.
Boxing tradition usually sees the champion enter the ring last, but it was Dubois who was introduced first by Michael Buffer, with Joshua hot on his heels.
READ MORE: Daniel Dubois knocks out Anthony Joshua in Wembley mega fight – ‘Tyson Fury is next’
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A whopping 96,000 spectators packed into Wembley to witness the British heavyweights, following a performance by Liam Gallagher who belted out three Oasis hits prior to the main event. In the preliminary bouts, Josh Padley caused a stir by upsetting Mark Chamberlain’s world title ambitions, knocking down the favourite and securing a points victory.
Josh Kelly narrowly escaped defeat from Ishmael Davis, managing to scrape a majority-decision win in the final round. This was followed by Anthony Cacace outscoring Josh Warrington, reports the Mirror.
Joshua Buatsi floored Willy Hutchinson twice, earning a points decision, while Hamzah Sheeraz halted Tyler Denny in the second round to claim the European championship.
(Image: Getty Images)
Conor McGregor, one of the high-profile attendees at Wembley, predicted a “Good close fight” between Dubois and Joshua. “Dubois seems very relaxed. No pressure on him, all pressure is on AJ,” he commented.
“AJ is on top form. I’m here for the big stadium show. Here to support Turki [Alalshikh]. In the combat sport space, it’s only the UK that executes the stadiums well. I’m excited to see it unfold. Maybe push on for a stadium show myself some time. It’s a big operation. I’m excited.”
Tyson Fury also shared his thoughts ahead of the Wembley showdown. Speaking at an event near the venue, Boxpark Wembley, the heavyweight predicted a tough contest for both fighters.
(Image: PA)
“I think it’s a tough fight for both fighters, they’re going to knock lumps out of each other and it could go either way,” Fury commented. “It’s not a foregone conclusion; they’re both heavy punchers and could knock each other out.”
“I’m looking forward to the fight. The real winners are the ones who come and watch people punch the f*** out of each other.”
“I’m going as a fan and don’t have any percentages for either man; whoever wins, wins. I’m sure it’s going to be an entertaining fight as long as it lasts, if there’s not a knockout either way I’ll be disappointed. The occasion might get to Daniel, you don’t know what role the crowd might play in a fight but in my experience, in a boxing fight you’re in there and it’s a fight, and it’s on like Donkey Kong.”
