Eddie Hearn rejects notion that Anthony Joshua is vulnerable to Daniel Dubois' knockout power
Anthony Joshua will have the chance to join an elite club of heavyweights when he faces Daniel Dubois on 21 Sept., 2024. The pair will clash for the vacant IBF world title, and should 'AJ' win, he will become only the fifth three-time heavyweight world champion.
There is, however, a feeling amongst some fans that Joshua will be vulnerable to his opponent's thudding power. Dubois currently holds the highest knockout percentage of any active heavyweights, with a 95.24% KO rate.
He most recently knocked out Filip Hrgovich on June 1 to become the interim IBF world champion, setting up an all-British clash with Joshua at Wembley Stadium.
Ahead of the highly anticipated heavweight bout, Eddie Hearn shared his thoughts on the narrative that 'AJ,' his client, was in danger against Dubois.
He said:
"Yeah [I've heard the rumors], 'If he gets hit on the chin he could get hurt.' F**king obviously! What makes me laugh is, what is the narrative of 'AJ' doesn't have a good chin? Go back and watch, start by watching the Dillian Whyte fight, where he got hit by a left-hook that would have knocked out a horse... 'AJ's' chin is fine, however, if you get hit by a massive puncher in the division, you could be in trouble, and Daniel Dubois is a massive puncher."
Watch Eddie Hearn discuss Anthony Joshua's chin below (10:00):
Anthony Joshua reflects on almost coming to blows with Daniel Dubois
The IBF world title will be contested by British heavyweights Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois. Prior to the fight, the pair were involved in an altercation, and almost came to blows.
The heavyweight duo recently sat across from each other alongside their respective promoters as part of the pre-fight promotions. However, a tongue-in-cheek comment by Dubois did not sit well with 'AJ', who began threatening his opponent.
Fortunately they were separated before anything serious unfolded, and the Watford warrior has now reflected on his tense interaction with the interim IBF champion. He said:
"He's like, 'Let's go, let's fight.' This, that... There's a difference between boxing and Queensbury rules, and fighting in a hall. I'll pick up a chair and smash it over your face. Just relax."
Watch Anthony Joshua's interview below (0:40):