“He’s Vulnerable” Barry McGuigan Gives Anthony Joshua-Daniel Dubois Verdict

Daniel Dubois could be in for the fight of his career against Anthony Joshua at Wembley Stadium this September, with the added bonus of a vacant heavyweight title.

The 26-year-old Brit picked up the IBF Interim Heavyweight title by beating Filip Hrgovic in a campaign-best performance. Given undisputed champ Oleksandr Usyk will rematch Tyson Fury this year rather than fulfilling his mandatory obligations, there’s a real possibility the IBF belt will become vacant.

Dubois then would face the next available contender for it, namely Anthony Joshua.

Hall of Famer Barry McGuigan discussed Dubois in his latest column for the Mirror, praising the development of the man his son Shane once trained.

“Daniel Dubois did not look destined for heavyweight glory when counted out in the ninth round against Oleksandr Usyk in Poland last year.

Ten months and two wins later he is once more looking to etch his name amongst the elite. As we know Dubois has the power to trouble any, but now he is adding experience to the mix.

Filip Hrgovic was winning the fight in Saudi Arabia last week until he got cut. But Dubois took his shots well and never looked hurt. He beat the guy without being spectacular, which showed a certain degree of improvement.

Boxing is more than brute force. It’s a chess game played with fists. Dubois always had a tendency to be too eager. He throws bombs like he’s on a mission. Effective against lesser opponents, but against the top guys that can be a recipe for disaster.”

Whilst not going as far to make a solid prediction, the fighter turned manager and promoter said there was a ‘chink in the armour’ of ‘AJ’ stemming from a shock knockout loss to Andy Ruiz in 2019. It’s something he feels the younger man can exploit.

“Now he is in line for a shot at Anthony Joshua. And if he gets through to Joshua’s chin then its game on. Joshua is the more complete fighter, marginally quicker. And he has rebuilt impressively since he lost for the second time to Usyk.

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There is, however, still a chink in his armour first exposed by Andy Ruiz that makes him vulnerable to the kind of power packed by Dubois.

Most would still take Joshua to win. But nothing is a given if Dubois can back up his Hrgovic victory with another mature performance.”