Hundreds of boxing fans packed London's Trafalgar Square on Friday to watch Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois weigh in and face off for the final time before their IBF heavyweight title fight at Wembley Stadium on Saturday.
Joshua (28-3, 25 KOs) weighed in at 252 pounds, slightly heavier than Dubois (21-2, 20 KOs), who topped the scales at 248 pounds.
After stepping off the scales, Joshua made a plea to fans, most of whom were cheering for him over his opponent.
"If I can ask you one favour, go home tonight and make a prayer for me, for success tomorrow, that I will become three-time heavyweight champion of the world," Joshua said.
"I look at myself as a gladiator, and I'm about to step into an arena tomorrow to perform for the people who love to see blood, guts and glory."
Dubois was slightly more reserved and appeared laser-focused.
"I'm ready to fight, just time to get in the ring and fight. I'm ready to go. A lot of work going into this, a lot of training. I win by any means necessary," Dubois said.
"With Riyadh season, they really do push the limits. In Los Angeles a couple of weeks ago, we took over Santa Monica Pier [and] the Chinese Theatre," Eddie Hearn, Joshua's promoter, told ESPN.
"This is obviously Trafalgar Square ... so one, it's a lot closer to home, and two, it's a considerable cost and investment to do [hold events].
"It's been incredible the whole week, and this is the icing on the cake before what will be a historic night at Wembley tomorrow.
Of Joshua, Hearn said he is in career-best shape, but warned Dubois will offer a tough test.
"AJ's in a place that I've never seen him in before. I mean, I'm always nervous about his fights, but he just mentally, physically looks so ready. But Dubois is a handful, it's not going to be an easy fight," Hearn said.
"But I believe he'll be victorious tomorrow and become three-time world heavyweight champion.
Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority, confirmed on Thursday that tickets had sold out, with a post-war-record crowd of 96,000 expected at Wembley on Saturday night.
Frank Warren, Dubois' promoter, said the event will be one to remember.
"Bombs away, that's what it's going to be," Warren said.
"I'm very excited, it's a massive massive fight and we're going to see fireworks tomorrow.
"[Dubois] is young man, just turned 27, he's shown what he's all about. He's calm, cool and collected. Tomorrow night, you're going to see something special."
The heavyweight fight between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois on Saturday is scheduled for 12 rounds. The chances of it going that far are remote.
Almost 90 percent of the boxers' combined 54 fights have ended by knockout. That includes each of them getting KO'd, too.
Plenty is at stake for the sluggers.
Joshua (28-3 with 25 KOs) and Dubois (21-2, 20 KOs) will battle for Dubois' IBF heavyweight title and a likely shot against the winner of the Dec. 21 fight between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury. Improbably enough.
In 2022, Joshua was counted out – figuratively, at least – after back-to-back losses to Usyk. He has since won four consecutive bouts, but the caliber of competition is questionable.
In his last fight, Joshua, a two-time heavyweight champion, knocked out Francis Ngannou, the former UFC champion who was in only his second pro boxing match. Dubois got knocked out by Usyk in 2023. Since then, he’s won back-to-back fights, victories over Jarrell Miller and Filip Hrgovic – by knockout, of course.
Undercard Highlights: Josh Padley Upsets Mark Chamberlain
The undercard saw a major upset, as Josh Padley defeated Mark Chamberlain via unanimous decision. Chamberlain, a highly touted prospect, was on a 16-0 run before facing Padley. However, Padley, fighting for his first promotional deal and a chance to focus full-time on boxing, came out with a game plan and executed it to perfection.
Padley was the aggressor throughout the fight, peppering Chamberlain with body shots and keeping him off-balance. He was also able to withstand Chamberlain's attempts to land his signature straight left. The fight was a back-and-forth affair with some hard-hitting exchanges, but Padley's constant pressure and relentless work ethic ultimately won him the fight.
Chamberlain Struggles to Find His Rhythm
Chamberlain, who had been praised for his explosive knockout power, was unable to find his rhythm in the fight. He was constantly on the defensive, and although he landed some solid shots, he wasn't able to put together the kind of combinations that had won him so many fights in the past.
A Moment of Drama: Chamberlain Goes Down
The most dramatic moment of the fight came in the eighth round, when a huge left hook from Padley sent Chamberlain crashing to the canvas. Chamberlain was able to get back to his feet quickly, but it was a clear sign that Padley was in control of the fight.
Padley's Triumphant Upset
Padley's victory was a huge upset, and it showed that he is a fighter to be reckoned with. He came into the fight as the underdog, but he proved that he has the skills and the heart to compete with the best in the world.
The Joshua-Dubois Showdown: Awaiting the Bell
The main event between Joshua and Dubois is set to start at 6 p.m. ET. The fight is expected to be a slugfest, with both fighters known for their knockout power. It's a fight that could potentially see one of these two men earn a shot at either Tyson Fury or Oleksandr Usyk, who are set to face off in December.
The fight will be broadcast on DAZN.
This is a fight that boxing fans around the world will not want to miss.
