Anthony Joshua’s bid to become a three-time champion and return to the division’s top table ended in the most dramatic and unexpected fashion. He was battered by a destructive Daniel Dubois who started the fight a bang and ended in similar fashion.
He gave Anthony Joshua no chance to survive his dynamite blows.
He did it before a capacity 96,000 crowd to retain his IBF heavyweight title.
He knocked out an unsettled Joshua who also arrived the Wembley Stadium late and cast an initial doubts on whether he was going to honour the fight.
A calmer and more confident Dubois arrived the arena an hour before Joshua showed up.
Now, Joshua’s career is in ruins. An anticipated rematch with the Oleksandr Usyk is now a mirage.
The 27-year-old Dubois dropped Joshua multiple times to retain the IBF heavyweight title. Londoner Dubois stopped Joshua, 34, with an incredible counter right hook to secure the biggest win of his 24-fight career.
“Are you not entertained?” Dubois shouted after the post-fight, to huge cheers in the packed-out stadium.
“I’m a gladiator. I am a warrior to the bitter end. I want to get to the top level of this sport and reach my potential.”
Joshua who won his first world title more than eight years ago – suffered a fourth loss in his 32nd bout, but hinted he will continue in the sport and has a clause to trigger a rematch with Dubois.
“You know I’m ready to kick off in the ring but I’m going to keep it respectful,” he said.
“Before I came here, I always say to myself I’m a fighter for life. You keep rolling the dice.”
An ecstatic Dubois, meanwhile, enjoyed the crowning moment which had eluded him after he was elevated to world champion when Oleksandr Usyk vacated the belt.