Anthony Joshua Dreams of Bringing Boxing’s Heavyweight Division ‘Back Alive’

Anthony Joshua Determined to Bring Boxing's Heavyweight Division 'Back Alive'Anthony Joshua may not have a world title around his waist, but he is without a doubt one of…

Anthony Joshua Determined to Bring Boxing's Heavyweight Division 'Back Alive'

Anthony Joshua may not have a world title around his waist, but he is without a doubt one of boxing’s biggest heavyweight stars.

On Saturday, September 21, the Watford, England native returns to the squared circle for a tough test when he challenges reigning IBF heavyweight world champion Daniel Dubois inside the legendary Wembley Stadium in London, England. Nearly 100,000 fans are expected to turn out to see Joshua throw hands with ‘Dynamite’ in one of the most anticipated headliners of the year.

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Joshua goes into the bout having won four straight, including a vicious second-round knockout of former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou in March.

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Anthony Joshua feeling blessed to be back in the boxing spotlight

He’ll look to extend that streak to five and become a world titleholder for the third time in his illustrious career. But beyond that, Joshua aims to bring the once-celebrated division out of the dark ages and make it the sport’s premiere weight class

“It can happen in a variety of ways,” Joshua told ESPN. “I’m not depending on punch power; it takes a lot more to be a great fighter. I’ll break him down with my spirit. I showed Daniel and his whole team the respect they deserve through my training camp and that’s going to put me in good stead. I’m tough, so is he. May the best man win. Good luck to him and his team.

“One thing when first I started boxing is, I wanted to bring the heavyweight division back alive in the U.K. So well done to everyone here as well. What a blessing to be back again… we’re ready to rock and roll. I’m in supreme condition physically and mentally. I’ve been watching some of the old fights as well to remind myself what I’m capable of” (h/t MMA Mania).

Anthony Joshua

Overall, Joshua is 28-3 in his professional boxing career with 25 of his wins coming by way of knockout.

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Daniel Dubois slams table in frustration, Anthony Joshua face off at press conference: ‘Move on’

Daniel Dubois slams table in frustration, Anthony Joshua face off at press conference: 'Move on'Ahead of his undisputed IBF heavyweight title defense against former world champion, Anthony Joshua this weekend in London, Daniel…

Daniel Dubois slams table in frustration, Anthony Joshua face off at press conference: 'Move on'

Ahead of his undisputed IBF heavyweight title defense against former world champion, Anthony Joshua this weekend in London, Daniel Dubois let his emotions get the better of him during a pre-fight press conference this week, slamming a table with a clenched fist before a toned face-off.

Dubois, who won the interim IBF heavyweight crown back in June with an eighth round knockout win over Filip Hrgovic in Riyadh, saw his interim status upgraded to undisputed upon the vacating of Ukrainian star and common-foe, Oleksandr Usyk.

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And taking on Watford native, Joshua this weekend at Wembley in a huge British heavyweight title affair, Dubios appeared at a press event this weekend on home soil ahead of the pairing, with the two set to rekindle after an infamous sparring match years ago — which was the subject of much discourse this week.

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Daniel Dubois slams table during press event with Anthony Joshua

“I need to retain this world title,” Daniel Dubois told assembled media, as obtained by BBC. “It’s a great thing to have but I need to legitimize myself by winning this fight [against Anthony Joshua].”

“I’m on the rise, I’ve got the momentum on my side. No more words — just fighting, punches. I’m ready to fight and destroy. Destroy.”

Discussing his prior sparring session with former two-time world heavyweight champion, Joshua ahead of the pairing — Dubios slammed the table with his fist after pointing to the fact that come this weekend they will be competing for real.

“It was sparring, now we’re fighting, this is different,” Daniel Dubois explained. “Move on.”

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For Joshua, the 34-year-old most recently took on former undisputed UFC heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou earlier this year in Saudi Arabia, stopping the mixed martial arts fighter with a devastating second round knockout win.

The victory came as part of a four-fight winning run for Watford puncher, Joshua, who has previously bested the trio of Jermaine Franklin, Robert Helenius, and Otto Wallin.