Anthony Joshua insists his shock defeat by Andy Ruiz has forged the mindset that will enable him to become a three-time world heavyweight champion at Wembley on Saturday. Joshua challenges for Daniel Dubois' IBF belt knowing victory would complete a period of rebuilding after losses to Ruiz in 2019 and then twice to Oleksandr Usyk left his career on the brink. Now riding a five-fight winning streak, the 34-year-old from Watford views the seismic upset in New York as a seminal moment.
“I became mentally strong when everyone went against me after Ruiz,” said Joshua, who was floored four times before being stopped in the seventh round by the fleshy Mexican-American. “You build up a firm back, a firm chest, strong legs and you walk through it. You walk through walls and you keep proving people wrong.”
Joshua is expected to join greats Muhammad Ali, Lennox Lewis and Evander Holyfield by winning a world title for the third time in front of a 96,000 crowd, who will watch Oasis’ Liam Gallagher perform live before the main event. Dubois has the punching power to deny Joshua his dream of facing the winner of Usyk's rematch with Tyson Fury in December, but has proved too easy to hit with the right hand – Joshua's most devastating shot.
Factor in Joshua’s greater experience – which includes seven appearances at major stadiums – as well as his development under new trainer Ben Davison, and he is regarded as a clear favourite.
The Road to Redemption
The defeat against Ruiz was a pivotal moment in Joshua's career. It served as a harsh wake-up call, forcing him to confront his weaknesses and re-evaluate his approach. Joshua, known for his powerful physique and relentless pressure, was exposed as vulnerable against a more agile and unorthodox opponent. The loss not only shattered his unbeaten record but also shook his confidence. However, instead of crumbling under the pressure, Joshua chose to rise again. He sought to learn from his mistakes, refine his skills and build a stronger mental fortitude.
Joshua's post-Ruiz journey was a testament to his resilience. He embarked on a rigorous training regimen, focusing on improving his speed, footwork, and overall boxing technique. He also sought guidance from a new trainer, Ben Davison, who brought a fresh perspective and instilled a renewed sense of purpose in Joshua. The results were evident in his subsequent fights, where he showcased enhanced agility, tactical awareness and a more calculated approach in the ring.
The Stakes are High
The upcoming bout against Dubois is not just another fight for Joshua; it represents an opportunity to reclaim his former glory and cement his legacy in boxing history. Victory would not only mark his return to the pinnacle of the heavyweight division but also provide him with the chance to face the winner of the highly anticipated rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury in December.
Dubois, a rising force in the heavyweight division, presents a significant challenge for Joshua. Despite his youth and relative inexperience, Dubois possesses exceptional knockout power, as evidenced by his devastating victories over Jarrell Miller and Filip Hrgovic. The 25-year-old has a reputation for being a relentless aggressor, willing to engage in a brawl. He is also a confident and vocal fighter, unafraid to express his belief in his ability to defeat Joshua.
The Mental Edge
Joshua, however, believes that his experiences, particularly the defeat against Ruiz, have equipped him with the mental strength and resilience to overcome any obstacle. He has learned to embrace adversity, drawing on his past failures to fuel his determination. “You build up a firm back, a firm chest, strong legs and you walk through it. You walk through walls and you keep proving people wrong,” he said.
This mental resilience will be crucial against Dubois, who will be looking to take advantage of any perceived vulnerabilities in Joshua's psyche. The fight promises to be a clash of styles, with Joshua's experience and technical prowess against Dubois’s youth, power, and aggression. The outcome will hinge on the fighters’ ability to execute their strategies, adapt to changing circumstances, and maintain their composure under pressure.
A Legacy Fight
The stakes are high for both fighters, but for Joshua, the fight represents a chance to solidify his legacy as a boxing legend. A victory would make him a three-time heavyweight champion, joining the ranks of boxing greats such as Muhammad Ali, Lennox Lewis and Evander Holyfield. It would also be a resounding statement of his resilience, proving that he has not only overcome adversity but also emerged stronger and more determined than ever.
The upcoming fight at Wembley is more than just a boxing match; it’s a stage for Joshua to rewrite his story, to demonstrate his unwavering resolve and to prove that he is still one of the most formidable fighters in the world. The crowd will be roaring, the stakes are high, and the world will be watching. Whether Joshua can seize this moment and reignite his career remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: this is a fight that will be remembered for years to come.
The Final Bell
Anthony Joshua's journey has been marked by both triumphs and tribulations. He has tasted victory at the highest level, but he has also experienced the sting of defeat. However, throughout his career, he has demonstrated a remarkable capacity to learn from his experiences, adapt to challenges, and emerge stronger. The fight against Dubois is a test of his resilience, a chance for him to prove that he is still a force to be reckoned with. The final bell will determine whether he can write a new chapter in his boxing legacy or whether his story is reaching its conclusion. Only time will tell.
