Dubois Stuns Joshua with Fifth-Round Knockout in Thrilling All-British Showdown
Daniel Dubois secured the most significant victory of his career with a stunning fifth-round knockout of Anthony Joshua in their heavyweight clash at Wembley Stadium. The 96,000 fans in attendance witnessed a dramatic bout as Dubois floored the former two-time world champion multiple times before landing the decisive blow that sealed the victory.
Dubois, known as “Dynamite,” started the fight aggressively, taking control of the center of the ring in the opening round. He unleashed a flurry of punches that had Joshua on the back foot early. Though Joshua briefly recovered, the round ended with Dubois landing a powerful shot that sent Joshua to his knee. The fight already seemed to be slipping away from Joshua as the bell rang.
The second round saw a temporary lull, as Dubois’ initial burst of energy faded slightly. Still, the crowd remained on edge, knowing that each punch could alter the course of the fight. By the third round, Dubois was back in command, rattling Joshua again and sending him to the canvas twice before the round concluded.
Joshua’s difficulties continued into the fourth round. He was downed in the opening seconds and again moments later, prompting the referee to briefly consider stopping the fight. Joshua, desperately trying to regain his footing, resorted to clinching and holding Dubois, clearly struggling to cope with the onslaught.
In the fifth round, Joshua briefly looked like he might mount a comeback after landing a solid shot on Dubois. However, Dubois quickly turned the tables, delivering a brutal right hand that crumpled Joshua. Unable to rise before the count, Joshua was left beaten and questioning his future in the sport.
Now in his mid-thirties, Joshua faces an uncertain path. This marked his fourth comprehensive defeat, leaving many to wonder if he still has the hunger and sharpness required to compete at the top level. There is, however, a rematch clause in place, offering Joshua a potential route back into contention should he choose to invoke it.
For Dubois, the victory marks the pinnacle of a remarkable career resurgence. Dubois had labeled this fight his “resurrection story,” seeking redemption after failing in his first attempt at a world title against Oleksandr Usyk last year. In that bout, Dubois had Usyk momentarily troubled but ultimately succumbed to the Ukrainian’s skill. Dubois’ journey has been marked by setbacks, including a defeat to Joe Joyce in 2020 that left him with a fractured eye socket and questions about his resolve.
Since then, Dubois has worked tirelessly to rebuild his career, claiming impressive wins over Jarrell Miller and Filip Hrgovic. His victory over Joshua now positions him as a major player in the heavyweight division, with eyes likely turning toward the upcoming Usyk vs. Tyson Fury rematch. An all-British showdown for the undisputed heavyweight crown in 2025 is now a tantalizing possibility.
Dubois’ triumph at Wembley has reinvigorated his career and the heavyweight division, adding new intrigue to future matchups. As Joshua contemplates his next move, Dubois stands ready to seize the spotlight, eager to prove that this victory is just the beginning of his rise to the top.