Lennox Lewis has given his assessment on this weekend’s clash between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois.
Dubois will be making the first defence of his new IBF heavyweight strap that he won when he beat Filip Hrgovic in June. It was originally for the ‘Interim’ version of the belt but he was upgraded to full champion when Oleksandr Usyk vacated the belt.
Joshua, meanwhile is on a four fight win streak and is looking to become a three-time heavyweight champion having rejuvenated his career following back-to-back defeats to Usyk.
Looking ahead to the all-British clash Lennox Lewis gave his breakdown of the fight.
MORE HERE: 🚨 Shock footage emerges of Oleksandr Usyk being ‘detained’ enroute to Joshua vs. Dubois clash
Speaking to The Ring he said:
“Dubois has been the guy that nobody has been looking at for a while and he wants his glory.
“I think he looks at Anthony as the golden boy in the sense everyone is awing over him, he’s got the fans, the big promoter and he’s got the spotlight because that’s the way it was but now it’s his time. He’s been sitting back on the burner and he has an opportunity, now let’s see if he can do it.”
“His advantage is his experience, the fact he’s been in against Oleksandr Usyk twice, he’s boxed over in America, big stadium events and has high profile trainers.”
“I think it can go either way because both of them have a good shot.
“Anthony has the advantage. Daniel has been there in the background, he wants it, he’s been dreaming about it all his life. If he goes for it, it will pan itself out. As far as experience [Dubois] has gotten a lot of experience in his last few fights.
“I think right now it’s pointing to Joshua but it’s not pointing at him a lot. Daniel’s done the work, it’s his opportunity, it’s up to him to step forward. Anything can happen in this.
“I’m looking at the Joe Joyce fight, and Joyce was catching him with jabs. I believe Joshua has a way better jab than Joyce. That’s what’s going to be Daniel’s weakness. If he doesn’t get his jab going, if he allows AJ to get his jab going first, that’s the problem.
The former undisputed champion gave his prediction on the showdown.
He concluded: “Joshua by stoppage. I don’t think it’s going to be an early fight, I think it’s probably gonna be later rounds. Daniel’s not gonna come and lay down.”
Do you agree with Lewis? Let us know in the comments.
