Daniel Dubois knocked out Anthony Joshua at Wembley Stadium on September 21, 2024 to retain his IBF world heavyweight title. It was a result which sent shockwaves through the sport.
Joshua (28-3) had gone into the bout as favourite to join the small band of three-time heavyweight champions, while Dubois (21-2) appeared tarnished by the manner of his losses to Joe Joyce and Oleksandr Usyk.
But on fight night the outcome was truly shocking – Joshua absolutely obliterated by the punching power of Dubois and eventually put to sleep in a brutal fifth round.
Joshua vs Dubois: Fight Facts
| Date | Saturday, 21 September 2024 |
|---|---|
| Venue | Wembley Stadium, London, England |
| Fight | Anthony Joshua vs Daniel Dubois |
| Title | IBF world heavyweight title |
| Result | Daniel Dubois defeated Anthony Joshua |
| Method | Knockout (KO), Round 5 |
| Scheduled rounds | 12 |
| Attendance | 96,000 (reported) |
| Referee | Marcus McDonnell |
| Significance | Dubois retained his IBF world heavyweight title after knocking Joshua down four times, denying Joshua his bid to become a three-time heavyweight champion. |
Quick facts and main fight report
If we expected Joshua to be the man unloading bombs, we were very very wrong.
AJ appeared naive as he was regularly caught by massive counters from Dubois. In total he was down in four of the five rounds. This was not the gameplan of an experienced two-time heavyweight champion.
Joshua did have some success in that fateful Round 5, smashing ‘Dynamite’ with a big right hand. As he stormed forward with the crowd roaring, that success would be his undoing. He walked straight onto a short right hand and that fight fans, was all she wrote.
Essential fight report
How Joshua vs Dubois came together
Joshua needed a title shot, and Dubois had a title after picking up the belt vacated by Oleksandr Usyk. They were two Brits and Wembley Stadium was the perfect location for a Saudi-backed heavyweight show.
It all made perfect sense, for AJ especially. Right until the moment he got into the ring.
Key coverage and original reports
- Original Joshua vs Dubois fight preview, date and viewing details
- Wembley sells out for the heavyweight title showdown
- The heavyweight title picture before Joshua vs Dubois
Training camps and preparations
Much of the confidence behind Joshua came from his previous performances under the tutelage of new trainer Ben Davison. He had looked absolutely terrific in dismantling Otto Wallin and Francis Ngannou – back to the peak, devastating AJ of yesteryear.
Key coverage and original reports
Predictions, tactics and pre-fight controversy
Joshua was a 1/4 favourite with the oddsmakers while Daniel was a 3/1 underdog.
Most predictions expected AJ’s experience and power, but in both areas he was completely outdone by Dubois on the night. He looked giddy rather than composed, and was constantly rocked by big counter bombs from ‘Dynamite’.
Key coverage and original reports
- Joshua trainer Ben Davison gives his prediction
- Dubois makes a bold pre-fight claim about Joshua
- The truth behind Joshua-Dubois sparring speculation
Press conferences, weigh-in and fight week
The build-up was massive, and Dubois really seemed to rile up AJ with some of his comments/behaviour. It was honestly good to see the Greenwich man showing some personality.
Fight night was an enormous spectacle with just under 100,000 fans packing Wembley Stadium. And they even played the Saudi national anthem.
The official weigh-in took place on Friday September 20, 2024 on a stage beneath Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square. Joshua scaled 252.5lbs while Dubois weighed in at 248.6lb.
Key coverage and original reports
- Watch the final Joshua vs Dubois press conference
- Wembley sellout confirmed ahead of fight night
- Original fight-week preview and ring-walk information
Fight Night: Result, Knockdowns and Undercard
Joshua was defeated by fifth-round knockout – having been on the floor in four of the five rounds. It was a brutal dismantling against a young man who had a plan. Dubois was unflustered, accurate and powerful.
The undercard was packed with big domestic names, and included wins for Hamzah Sheeraz, Joshua Buatsi and Anthony Cacace (over Josh Warrington).
Key coverage and original reports
Key coverage and original reports
- Riyadh Season’s pay-per-view pricing plans ahead of the fight
- Carl Froch reacts to Joshua’s knockout defeat
- Joshua’s immediate response to Eddie Hearn after the loss
- Eddie Hearn discusses Joshua’s next-fight options
- When Joshua could return after the defeat
Joshua vs Dubois: Frequently Asked Questions
Who won Anthony Joshua vs Daniel Dubois?
Daniel Dubois defeated Anthony Joshua by knockout in round five, retaining the IBF heavyweight title.
When and where was Joshua vs Dubois?
The fight took place on 21 September 2024 at Wembley Stadium in London.
How many times was Joshua knocked down?
Joshua was knocked down four times, in rounds one, three, four and five.
What title was at stake?
The IBF world heavyweight championship, held by Daniel Dubois, was on the line.
Related Heavyweight Fight Guides
For more context, see Anthony Joshua’s professional boxing record and Daniel Dubois’ professional boxing record.
