Daniel Dubois: The Heavyweight Who Ended Anthony Joshua’s Title Hopes

• Daniel Dubois knocked out Anthony Joshua in September 2024 to claim the IBF heavyweight title.
• This victory marked Joshua’s fourth career loss and ended his hopes of regaining the heavyweight crown.
• Dubois’ win has shifted the dynamics of the heavyweight division, positioning him as a major contender.

Daniel Dubois Shakes Up Heavyweight Boxing

In the world of boxing, moments of seismic change are often accompanied by a single, thunderous punch. For Daniel Dubois, that moment arrived in September 2024, when he stepped into the ring against Anthony Joshua—a former unified world champion, Olympic gold medalist, and one of Britain’s most recognizable sports figures.

The stakes were enormous. Joshua, riding a four-fight win streak, was eager to reclaim the IBF heavyweight title and restore his place at the top of the division. Wembley Stadium was packed with 96,000 fans, each anticipating another signature Joshua comeback. But Dubois, known for his relentless power and steady rise through the ranks, had other plans.

The Night Joshua’s Title Dreams Ended

As reported by NY Times and BBC Sport, the bout began with Joshua looking composed and confident. For months, analysts had debated whether Dubois’ youth and raw strength could overcome Joshua’s experience and technical prowess. The early rounds saw Joshua probing with his jab, but Dubois was undeterred, working his way inside and setting up heavy shots.

It was in the fifth round that Dubois found his moment. A punishing combination sent Joshua to the canvas, and the crowd’s roar swelled with disbelief and awe. Joshua, ever the fighter, beat the count, but Dubois was relentless. Another flurry, and Joshua was down again—this time, for good. The referee’s count echoed through Wembley, and Dubois was crowned the new IBF heavyweight champion. For Joshua, it was a devastating fourth career defeat and a painful reminder of boxing’s unforgiving nature.

Dubois’ Journey to the Top

Daniel Dubois’ ascent wasn’t built on spectacle but on substance. Before facing Joshua, Dubois had compiled a record that included wins over respected contenders and weathered setbacks, most notably a tough loss to Joe Joyce in 2020. Rather than falter, Dubois doubled down on his training and sharpened his technique. His victory over Joshua was not just a personal milestone—it was a testament to perseverance and the unpredictable drama of heavyweight boxing.

With the IBF title now around his waist, Dubois finds himself at the center of a division in flux. Oleksandr Usyk’s reign, Tyson Fury’s recent retirement, and Joshua’s struggle to recapture past glory have all contributed to a landscape where fresh faces and new rivalries are shaping the future. Dubois’ win signals a changing of the guard, inviting speculation about potential matchups with other top contenders and the possibility of unifying the division.

What Comes Next for Dubois—and Joshua?

For Dubois, the victory over Joshua opens doors to lucrative fights and greater recognition. Fans and pundits are already discussing possible bouts against the likes of Usyk or a returning Fury. The division, once dominated by a handful of elite names, is now alive with possibility, and Dubois stands poised to make his mark.

For Joshua, the loss was a bitter pill. Despite his efforts to regroup, the defeat to Dubois cast doubt on his ability to reclaim the heavyweight throne. As he told reporters post-fight, “It took a bit longer than expected. But the right hand finally found the destination.” Yet, the reality is clear: Joshua’s path back to the top is steeper than ever, and the heavyweight division has moved forward.

Dubois’ victory has also inspired a new generation of British boxers, proving that with resilience and the right moment, even the biggest names can be toppled. It’s a reminder that in boxing, past triumphs guarantee nothing, and the future belongs to those willing to seize it.

Daniel Dubois’ knockout of Anthony Joshua was more than just a win—it was a statement. With the IBF title in hand, Dubois is now a force that every heavyweight must reckon with. The division’s shifting power dynamic makes the coming years some of the most unpredictable and exciting in recent memory, and Dubois stands at the center of it all. If boxing teaches anything, it’s that fortunes can change in an instant—and for Daniel Dubois, that instant has arrived.