AJ vs Dubois – What this British Heavyweight Clash Means for the Division

Talks have long been underway for Anthony Joshua to meet Daniel Dubois in a heavyweight contest this year. Having defeated Francis Ngannou in March 2024, there are plenty of rumours that AJ will return to the ring before the end of the year. Wembley Stadium has been mentioned as a potential venue for the fight with Dubois, which makes sense considering the two fighters are British. It would be a thrilling night of boxing for British fight fans but what would this potential heavyweight clash mean for the division?

AJ’s Next Opponent

There were many names under consideration for AJ’s next fight but Dubois catapulted himself to the top of the pile thanks to his victory over Filip Hrgović for the vacant IBF interim heavyweight title. Dubois stopped his opponent with a technical knockout in the 8th round as part of the Matchroom vs Queensberry card at the Kingdom Arena, in Riyadh. Deontay Wilder was the man initially being considered as the perfect next opponent for AJ but he suffered a defeat to Zhilei Zhang on the same night as Dubois emerged victorious.

Despite the fight yet to be officially announced, the bookmakers have not wasted any time producing odds for the contest between AJ and Dubois. AJ has been made the overwhelming favourite with the bookmakers to win the fight, with Dubois the clear outsider. There will be many ways to bet on this fight including at bitcoin betting sites, which have been growing in popularity. There are now many crypto sports betting platforms available and they are one the best ways to bet on boxing thanks to secure payments, fast withdrawals, and low banking fees.

The Heavyweight Belts

Both AJ and Dubois will have their sights set on a bigger goal, which is the heavyweight title. Oleksandr Usykis the man currently in possession of the WBC, WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, IBO, and The Ring heavyweight titles following his split decision win over Tyson Fury in May. The pair are likely to have a rematch and the winner of the that fight could face off against the winner of the AJ and Dubois match. So, there is plenty riding on the fight between AJ and Dubois and they will both be hoping to have a shot at the world titles next year.

However, the chance to be crowned the world heavyweight champion is some way off and the priority for AJ and Dubois will be to win the battle of Britain. Tyson Fury must be considered the best heavyweight British boxer right now, despite his loss to Usyk, with AJ coming in at second place. Some onlookers believe Dubois is now ranked in third place in the UK, above the likes of Derek Chisora and Dillian White.

Who Will Win?

Dubois will look back on his meeting with Usyk in August 2023, which he lost by knockout in the ninth round, as a stepping stone to becoming a future champion of the world. Since that defeat, Dubois has beat Jarrell Miller and Filip Hrgović. AJ lost to Usyk twice in the space of a year but since the defeat in August 2022, the has remained undefeated, beating Jermaine Franklin, Robert Helenius, Otto Wallin, and Francis Ngannou.

There is a feeling that Dubois has what it takes to stop AJ but his defence could be what lets him down in this fight. Despite beating Hrgović, Dubois took plenty of blows throughout the contest and he will not get away with the same level of defence against AJ. Dubois has many strengths but AJ can match or surpass those strengths with his own abilities. That means it could be a tough night for Dubois, with AJ coming out on top and putting himself in the frame for a shot at Usyk or Fury.