in

Daniel Dubois highlights how he beat Anthony Joshua before the fight had even started and admits he ‘lit up the place’


DANIEL DUBOIS said he claimed victory over Anthony Joshua before their fight had even started.

Dubois dropped AJ four times on the way to a stunning fifth-round knockout in front of a British-record 98,000 fans.

Daniel Dubois walked to the ring second before Anthony JoshuaCredit: PA
Joshua came out second at WembleyCredit: Getty

But the reigning IBF champion actually walked out first – despite being the one defending the belt.

It mattered little as Dubois instead got the last laugh – KOing Joshua after winning the battle of the ring walks.

He said on talkSPORT: “It’s not right really for the champion to come out first but at the end of the day, I was in my mindset.

“We had a great ring walk, it was perfect, the whole occasion was just huge, the opportunity, everything.

READ MORE IN BOXING

“I was just soaking it up. When I was in the ring we lit up the place. That was the best ring walk, don’t you think?

“I was all business from the moment I left the dressing room to when I got into the ring.

“Once I was in the ring, it was like ‘No looking back now, it is on’.”

Joshua, 34, was boxing in his sixth stadium showdown while the stage had never been set higher for Dubois, 27.

Most read in Boxing

CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS

But he said: “I was not going to freeze, I wasn’t overawed by the occasion.

“To me, it was like a stroll in the park walking in there, I had to be in the right mindset to go in there and do what I did.

Anthony Joshua confirms retirement decision following shock loss to Daniel Dubois as he sends video message to fans

“It was doing everyone proud, doing my family proud, my dad, my team that is around me.

“I couldn’t let them down, I did months and months of training for this and I was in the gym every day, hating what I was doing.

“But I’ve done it so there are no excuses… I’m always my biggest critic so I look where I can improve on but I’m proud.

“I did myself proud, I believe, all of the fights I’ve had back to back have been top-level fights and I’ve come through them so I’m proud of myself.”

A rematch is now on the cards after Joshua refused retirement.

His promoter Eddie Hearn claimed there is a rematch clause but opposite number Frank Warren argued they are not obligated for a second fight.

But Dubois remains open, as he added: “Yeah, if that happens down the line then yes. If that happens next then yeah. I want to go for it.

READ MORE SUN STORIES

“I want to do even better next time. I know where I need to improve as well, so as a champion and a fighter I want to prove people wrong every time and that’s what we have been doing…

“I think I would, I can do a lot better than that. It was a great showing but next time I believe I’ll be more clinical. More sharp, everything.”

Dubois knocked out Joshua in round fiveCredit: Getty


Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk


Tagcloud:

Who is Arsenal’s prospect goalkeeper Jack Porter?

Meet Harry Amass, 17, who is in Man Utd Europa League squad and tipped to break through like Alejandro Garnacho