Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn has officially confirmed a thrilling world title fight between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois, set to take place on September 21 at Wembley Stadium. This bout comes after Oleksandr Usyk vacated the IBF heavyweight title, allowing interim titleholder Dubois to step up as the full champion. Joshua, a former champion, now has another opportunity to reclaim a world championship.
Eddie Hearn expressed excitement about the upcoming fight, highlighting the significance of the event. Newly-crowned IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois will make his first title defense against Joshua, marking a crucial milestone in his career.
Dubois was elevated to full champion status after Usyk, who achieved undisputed status by defeating Tyson Fury in May, relinquished the IBF title. This decision paved the way for the two London heavyweights to vie for the coveted belt.
Joshua, aiming to become a heavyweight champion for the third time, will face Dubois, a familiar opponent from their previous sparring sessions. Both fighters are in peak form, with Dubois securing stoppage victories over Jarrell Miller and Filip Hrgovic, while Joshua dominated Otto Wallin and Francis Ngannou in his recent bouts.
The exciting Wembley Stadium event will also feature several notable undercard fights. The WBO interim light-heavyweight title bout will see the undefeated Joshua Buatsi (18-0, 13 KOs) take on Willy Hutchinson (18-1, 13 KOs). Additionally, European middleweight champion Tyler Denny (19-2-3, 1 KO) will battle the highly-regarded Hamzah Sheeraz (20-0, 16 KOs).
Ireland's IBF southpaw super featherweight champion will defend his title against the challenger, following his victory over Joe Cordina in May. The middleweight clash between Liverpool veteran Liam Smith (33-4-1, 20 KOs) and Josh Kelly (15-1-1, 8 KOs) promises to be a thrilling encounter. Portsmouth lightweight Mark Chamberlain (16-0, 12 KOs) will face fellow unbeaten contender Josh Padley (14-0, 4 KOs).
While there was strong speculation about a heavyweight rematch between Fabio Wardley and Frazer Clarke being included on this bill, it is now expected to take place on a separate Sky Sports event.
This highly anticipated fight card at Wembley Stadium is set to be a landmark event in the boxing calendar, with fans eagerly awaiting the showdown between Joshua and Dubois and the array of exciting undercard bouts.