ANTHONY JOSHUA has been warned he could be shaken to his “absolute core” when he fights Daniel Dubois.
AJ and Dubois are due to face off on September 21 for the IBF heavyweight title, with the winner set to also be handed a shot at the victor of the rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury.
Joshua, 34, has belt-winning experience on his side, having twice been a world champion.
However, British heavyweight Johnny Fisher has warned him to expect a tough fight when he faces off in the ring against 26-year-old Dubois – who is the reigning belt holder.
Fisher, 25, is the sparring partner of “Dynamite”, and claims he packs a real punch.
Speaking to Seconds Out, Fisher said: “[I am] definitely [favouring] Anthony Joshua but not by the margin that people expect.
READ MORE IN BOXING
“I reckon it is like a 55/60 to a 40/45 split in favour of Anthony Joshua.
“Dubois can seriously whack, I have sparred him loads, his right-hand’s can shake to your absolute core.
“I remember when I got hit by one, it was like an electric shock going through my body.
“The jab of Dubois as well, it’s like a right hand.
Most read in Boxing
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
“Although I can’t speak about sparring Anthony Joshua, I know that Dubois ain’t no joke and coming off of great wins over Jarrell Miller and Filip Hrgovic, who had been the bogeyman for the last two/three years, to deal with him [is impressive].”
Dubois holds the IBF belt after Usyk vacated it to agree a rematch against Fury.
But he revealed earlier this week he is after a stoppage when he fights his compatriot, and the Londoner believes a win will make him a “legit” world champion.
He told Sky Sports: “I’m the underdog because I have to prove myself and beating him and winning this next fight will set me as a legit champion. I’m raring to go. This is everything. The big opportunity.
Dubois can seriously whack, I have sparred him loads, his right-hand’s can shake to your absolute core.
Johnny Fisher
“Win by any means necessary but a stoppage is definitely what I’m after, a good stoppage and a statement victory, that’s what I’m all about.
“Very confident, very sure and happy and ready to do the business. I’m just raring to go.”
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk