Joshua vs. Dubois: IBF Heavyweight Championship Betting Odds

Anthony Joshua is set to make his grand return on Saturday, September 21, at Wembley Stadium, where he will face IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois in a high-stakes showdown. The 12-round bout, along with the undercard action, will be available on DAZN PPV, promising an electrifying night for boxing fans worldwide.

Anthony Joshua: Chasing History

Joshua (28-3, 25 KOs) is on a quest to become the fifth man in boxing history to win a heavyweight championship on three separate occasions. Only legends Muhammad Ali, Evander Holyfield (a four-time champion), Lennox Lewis, and Michael Moorer have achieved this remarkable feat. Now, at 34 years old, Joshua aims to etch his name alongside these icons.

While some might argue that age is catching up with him, Joshua remains a formidable force in the heavyweight division. His last fight, a high-profile bout against former UFC champion Francis Ngannou, saw him successfully defending boxing's honor. However, this victory has been criticized by some as not being a "serious test," given Ngannou's background in mixed martial arts rather than boxing.

Joshua's last major boxing challenge was against Otto Wallin in December, a fight he won convincingly. However, his sights are set on a bigger prize—revenge against Oleksandr Usyk and the goal of becoming the undisputed heavyweight champion. With 25 of his 28 wins coming by knockout, Joshua’s power and skill make him a dangerous opponent for anyone who steps into the ring with him.

Daniel Dubois: The New Champion

Daniel Dubois (21-2, 20 KOs) has had a meteoric rise in the heavyweight division. In June, he achieved a career-defining victory by defeating the previously unbeaten Filip Hrgovic in eight rounds to claim the interim IBF championship. Shortly after, Dubois was upgraded to full champion status when Oleksandr Usyk vacated the title, solidifying Dubois' position as a force to be reckoned with.

Despite a loss to Usyk last year, Dubois has bounced back stronger than ever. His impressive power, with 20 of his 21 wins coming by knockout, has made him a feared competitor in the division. Now, he faces his biggest test yet in the form of Anthony Joshua, a seasoned veteran with a legacy to protect.

Betting Odds Overview

Anthony Joshua: The Favorite

Joshua enters this fight as the favorite, with early betting odds in the range of -200 to -300. This means bettors would need to wager $200 to $300 to win $100 on a Joshua victory. His established track record, experience, and previous championship status give him an edge in the eyes of bookmakers.

Daniel Dubois: The Underdog with Upset Potential

Dubois is expected to be the underdog in this bout, with odds hovering around +250 to +350. A $100 bet on Dubois could yield a payout of $250 to $350 if he manages to secure the win. Despite his underdog status, many believe Dubois has the power, youth, and hunger to pull off an upset, making him a compelling option for those willing to take a risk.

What to Expect

This fight has all the makings of a classic heavyweight showdown. On one side is Joshua, the experienced and technically proficient former champion, seeking to reclaim his spot at the top. On the other is Dubois, the young and powerful new champion, eager to prove he belongs among the elite.

Key Factors to Watch:

Joshua's Experience: His ability to adapt and strategize will be crucial. Can he use his ring IQ to outmaneuver the younger Dubois?

Dubois' Power: With most of his wins coming by knockout, Dubois has the ability to end the fight at any moment. How will he handle the pressure of facing a veteran like Joshua?

Joshua's Motivation: After facing criticism for his choice of opponents, Joshua is motivated to make a statement. Will this drive help him reclaim his former glory?