Anthony Joshua’s Next Showdown: Will It Be Dubois or Zhang?
In a pulsating atmosphere of anticipation, Anthony Joshua is contemplating his next formidable opponent for a September showdown at Wembley Stadium. The heavyweight boxing world is abuzz with speculation: will it be the rising star Daniel Dubois or the mighty Zhilei Zhang? Both fighters bring unique challenges and potential accolades to Joshua’s already illustrious career.
Daniel Dubois: The Logical Contender
The case for Daniel Dubois (21-2, 20 KOs) is compelling. Dubois, the current IBF interim heavyweight champion, stands on the brink of potentially being elevated to the full IBF titleholder. For Joshua (28-3, 25 KOs), fighting Dubois isn’t just about another victory—it’s about reclaiming a world title. Dubois, known for his powerful punches and rapid rise in the ranks, represents a significant test for Joshua and a tantalizing draw for British boxing fans, as both fighters hail from the UK.
The Zhang Factor
Alternatively, Zhilei Zhang has emerged as a formidable option after his recent impressive knockout victory over Deontay Wilder. Zhang’s power and technique were on full display as he stopped Wilder in the fifth round in Riyadh. Although Zhang lacks a world title, defeating him would be a statement win for Joshua, proving he can overcome the man who dismantled Wilder. Yet, the allure of a world title seems to outweigh the mere bragging rights of defeating Zhang.
Joshua’s Perspective
“I’ve got to pick them off one by one. It’s not going to be easy, but that’s my mentality. So come one, come all. He [Dubois] has worked his way up the ladder; we’ll see what happens in the near future,” Joshua recently remarked. His statement reflects a strategic approach, focusing on reclaiming titles and solidifying his legacy in the heavyweight division.
High Stakes for Joshua
A fight against Dubois presents Joshua with his first high-quality clash in a while, following what some critics consider “gimmes” against less experienced opponents like Francis Ngannou and Otto Wallin. While these fights boosted Joshua’s confidence and maintained his active status, they did little to enhance his credibility among elite fighters. Facing Dubois, who has shown remarkable resilience and improvement in recent fights, offers Joshua a chance to prove he’s still at the top of his game.
The IBF Title Dynamics
The dynamics surrounding the IBF title add another layer of intrigue. According to boxing analyst Chris Mannix, the IBF is likely to upgrade Dubois to the full champion soon. This potential elevation means a fight between Joshua and Dubois would not only be for the interim title but could very well be for the full IBF heavyweight championship. This makes the bout all the more significant for Joshua, who is keen to add another belt to his collection and strengthen his claim as a top contender in the division.
Dubois: A Dangerous Opponent
Dubois’s recent performances have caught the attention of the boxing world. His victories over Jarrell Miller and Filip Hrgovic demonstrated his ability to dig deep and emerge victorious under pressure. However, Joshua’s camp might view Dubois’s youth and momentum as a considerable threat. At 26, Dubois is in his prime, whereas Joshua, who turns 35 in October, is acutely aware of the finite nature of his boxing career.
Strategic Considerations
For Joshua, the decision isn’t just about the immediate fight but also the long-term strategy. With a potential mega-fight against the winner of the Usyk-Fury rematch on the horizon, Joshua must weigh the risk of facing a surging Dubois against the potential reward. A loss to Dubois could derail his plans for a blockbuster bout later in the year, whereas a victory would significantly enhance his standing and bargaining power.
What Lies Ahead
As the boxing world waits with bated breath, the stakes couldn’t be higher for Anthony Joshua. Whether he chooses to face Daniel Dubois or Zhilei Zhang, his next fight will be crucial in shaping the latter part of his career. The decision will reflect Joshua’s ambitions and willingness to take on the toughest challenges to cement his legacy.
Editor’s Insight
Joshua’s next move will undoubtedly captivate the boxing community. Choosing between Dubois and Zhang is more than a tactical decision—it’s a statement about Joshua’s intentions and his readiness to face the most dangerous contenders. The coming weeks will be pivotal, and fans can only speculate and hope for a showdown that will deliver both drama and high-level boxing.