Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois confronted off on the banks of the River Thames, going head-to-head for the primary time within the week forward of their IBF heavyweight world title struggle.
Riyadh Season: Joshua vs Dubois takes place this Saturday at Wembley Stadium, stay on Sky Sports activities Field Workplace.
At Monday’s face off Joshua, scowling within the sunshine, marched straight as much as Dubois and, unblinking, glared down at his younger rival.
Each have well-deserved reputations as fearsome punchers. However Dubois is on the lookout for one thing extra on this struggle. He does not simply wish to win by knockout. He needs to inflict one thing on his opponent which, for a boxer, is worse than that. He needs to make Joshua give up.
“I’ve got to make him quit, break him down, That’s my mindset going into this. Making him quit, breaking him,” Dubois advised Sky Sports activities.
“I believe I can.”
Quitting was an allegation thrown at Dubois after his defeat to Joe Joyce. It is a criticism of his character that he has been combating to dispel ever since.
For him the sweetest victory of all could be to implement an ending of that nature within the highest-profile occasion of his boxing life. For Dubois that will be a sort of merciless redemption.
“I’m turning it round now at this stage of my career. I’ve come through my ups and downs, just turning it round,” Dubois mentioned.
“Enjoy the moment, let all the talking be done, let all the statements be made. I’m in a good place right now and I’m ready to fight.”
Joshua and Dubois needed to be separated earlier within the promotion when an altercation threatened to happen at a joint interview.
The animosity nonetheless appeared to simmer between them on the staredown. “I looked into his eyes, and I don’t know, I’m so used to it now. It’s part of the game,” Dubois mentioned.
He is adamant that Joshua’s staff are underestimating him. “Of course they are, he’s going to be in for the shock of his life,” Dubois mentioned.
“Seize the moment. It will all become real. Enough of the thinking, enough of the talking.”
However he’s pleased sufficient to be perceived because the underdog. “I still have that mindset, I’m still like that. Everyone wants to see the underdog come through and come out on top,” he mentioned.
“I’m the underdog and I love playing that role, make it another night to remember.”
Anthony Joshua’s heavyweight showdown with Daniel Dubois takes place on Saturday September 21 stay on Sky Sports activities Field Workplace. E-book Joshua v Dubois now!