- The duo take a walk before talking during the Grand Arrival promotional event
- Dubois will defend his IBF heavyweight world title on Saturday against AJ
Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois walk the red carpet traditionally rolled out for Hollywood celebrities at the Odeon Leicester Square.
The occasion was the so-called ‘Grand Arrivals’ of the two colossal heavyweights who will fight for the IBF world heavyweight championship in Wembley on Saturday evening.
This cinema has premiered film classics with hilariously relevant titles such as Star Wars, Gladiator, The Lion King, Lord of the Rings, A Star Is Born and – since Joshua says he is prepared to die in his fight for a third heavyweight title – the James Bond film You Only Live Twice.
Hopefully, as they told their story and talked to the cameras – threatening to knock each other out – Mary Poppins wasn’t on their minds.
The extravagant build-up to the bout follows an intensive week of promotional activity leading up to the bout, during which both fighters gave their views on how the match will unfold.
Daniel Dubois hit the red carpet at Leicester Square for the Grand Arrival promotional event
Duboi’s opponent Anthony Joshua (pictured) spoke to the press as their fight approaches
Dubois, 27, will defend his IBF heavyweight world title against Joshua, 34, on Saturday
Daniel Dubois (right) believes Anthony Joshua is now ‘ripe to be taken’
Defending champion Dubois believes Anthony Joshua is now ‘ripe to pick’ as he is the younger, hungrier fighter – albeit one with significantly less experience at the highest level of the sport than AJ.
As a 27-year-old defending his world title against a 34-year-old compatriot trying to bounce back and join the elite club of three-time heavyweight champions, Dubois says: ‘When there were critics, I redeemed myself. Especially against Filip Hrgovic.’
That was the victory that earned him the title of IBF champion, after unified king Oleksandr Usyk relinquished his title to embark on his enriching multi-title revenge match against Tyson Fury during Christmas week in Riyadh.
Dubois adds: ‘I’m mature and emerging now. The momentum is with me.’
When Joshua, who is a big betting favorite, heard that, he smiled and thought, “I can throw punches much better now.”