Those sparring rumours have been THE biggest narrative in the countdown to Anthony Joshua vs Daniel Dubois.
On Saturday night at London’s iconic Wembley Stadium, a record boxing crowd of 96,000 will assemble to see the two British stars fight for the IBF world heavyweight title currently held by Dubois.
For Daniel (21-2) it’s a chance to prove that he really does belong at the very top table of heavyweight boxing. For Joshua (28-3) it is the opportunity to join all-time greats including Muhammad Ali, Lennox Lewis and Evander Holyfield as three-time world heavyweight champions.
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But the big pre-fight story happened years ago, far away from the bright lights and huge crowds. When Joshua and a very young Dubois engaged in many rounds of sparring. The only question is, who has that story right?
The rumour mill has claimed Dubois either had Joshua down, knocked out, or about to be knocked out – a major claim. The Joshua camp though has been very measured in terms of response – they are heavyweights and when they hit, somebody generally feels the impact.
Joshua on sparring Dubois
At Thursday’s final press conference before fight night, Joshua was asked yet again about the rumours, and once again he was measured in his response as he revealed the truth from his side.
“He cracked me with a great shot and it’s my chance to get him back on Saturday. I’m looking forward to it. We’ve sparred hundreds of rounds.”
Another pre-right storyline has been the “disrespect” Joshua feels he has been showed by Dubois. He referenced it loudly during a joint media interview early in the build-up. And he cannot have been impressed by Dubois suggesting he can be made to “quit” on Saturday night.
READ MORE: Daniel Dubois makes ASTONISHING Anthony Joshua claim
Once again though Joshua chose his words carefully as the world’s media recorded every word, sound and image.
He said: “I showed Daniel and his team the respect they deserve through fight camp and that will stand me in good stead on Saturday. I’m tough and so is he. May the best man win. Good luck to Daniel and his team.”
Those words were professional as ever, but maybe the chilling undertone was there – Joshua has give proper respect, but maybe Dubois hasn’t. And that score will be settled in the ring on Saturday night.
Joshua x Davison 3.0
This is Joshua’s third camp since joining forces with new trainer Ben Davison – the results of the first two were utterly spectacular as he took apart Otto Wallin and then obliterated former UFC star Francis Ngannou. So how does AJ feel this time?
“It’s a blessing to be back again and to prove to my team and everyone that I’ve done the right things in camp. It’s good to be back. I’m ready to rumble and remind everyone what I’m capable of.”
READ MORE: Ben Davison on Joshua vs Dubois, and Usyk vs Joshua 3
Whatever anybody believes about those sparring rumours, or about the talk of disrespect, there is one thing that nobody can deny – the impact that Joshua has had on boxing, and particularly heavyweight boxing, in the UK. Record PPV buys many times over, selling Wembley Stadium out several times over. He is, surely, the biggest draw in world boxing today, and it’s something he is rightly proud of.
“One thing I said when I started boxing was that I wanted to bring British Heavyweight boxing back and I think I’ve done that.”
Amen, Anthony.
