Anthony Joshua weighs in 4lbs heavier than Daniel Dubois as the two British boxers face-off for the last time ahead of their world heavyweight title clash at Wembley
- Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois have given their opinion ahead of their big fight
- The IBF world heavyweight title is on the line at Wembley in an all-British clash
- Joshua outweighed Dubois by 4lbs at Trafalgar Square on Friday
From the press conference to the weigh-in.
From the gilded elegance of the Guuldhall in the marble presence of Lord Nelson and the Duke of Wellington to the bustling Trafalgar Square at the foot of Nelson’s Column.
Where else can Britain’s warships prepare for battle than in the shadow of military icons? Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois head to another iconic London venue on Saturday night to fight for the IBF heavyweight world title.
No fewer than 96,000 supporters will be manning the ramparts of another legendary London venue. In the final formality before the bell rings, Joshua will climb the heavyweight with 252 lbs 5 oz over Dubois with 248 lbs 6 oz.
Dubois told the crowd: “I’m ready to seize my moment and retain my title, no matter what.”
Anthony Joshua (left) and Daniel Dubois (right) have both officially committed to their heavyweight title fight
Joshua weighed in at 252 pounds – four pounds heavier than Dubois when the two last faced each other
Dubois weighed only slightly more than in his last victory over Filip Hrgovic
Cheers erupted in London when Joshua said: ‘Stay with me as I become a three-time heavyweight champion of the world.’
Joshua is the favorite to become three-time heavyweight world champion, while Dubois is attempting to defend his title for the first time.
The build-up to the all-British bout was largely about the animosity between the two, and when they last faced each other outside the ring on Friday, there was even more animosity on display.
Joshua had already made Dubois wait earlier in the week for what would turn into a bizarre pre-fight press conference, with both boxers attempting to use mind games to gain an edge.
Dubois looked slimmer than in his previous win over Filip Hrgovic in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, weighing in at 248lbs (17st7lbs) on the scales at Trafalgar Square as fans flocked to watch the official ahead of his clash with Joshua.
Meanwhile, Joshua will enter the ring as the heavier of the two boxers, with the Eddie Hearn-backed fighter weighing in at 252lb – four pounds heavier than Dubois.
Dubois looked confident after a dull encounter with Joshua, saying: “I’m ready for the fight. Time to step in the ring and fight. We’ve worked hard and I’m ready to fight. A lot has been put in, a lot of work and training and the talk is done. A win, no matter what,” he added.
Meanwhile, Joshua asked the crowd to ‘pray’ that he would be successful in his quest to become a three-time world champion.
Joshua was all smiles as he emerged from Trafalgar Square for the weigh-in to loud cheers
Promoters Frank Warren (left) and Eddie Hearn (right) both appeared in good spirits at the weigh-in
Both fighters remained disciplined as they faced each other after the weigh-in with the crowd watching on.
“I see myself as a gladiator for the people who want to see blood, guts and glory,” he said.
Joshua previously weighed 252.4 lbs (18 st) in his last win over Francis Ngannou, while Dubois weighed 248 lbs (17 st7 lbs) in his win over Hrgovic.
Both Hearn and Queensberry promoter Frank Warren also appeared on stage and were both in good spirits during the pre-fight event, which was hosted by legendary announcer Michael Buffer.
Five key fights on the season undercard in Riyadh provide a lead-in to Joshua and Dubois’ main event, with Anthony Cacace taking on Josh Warrington, while Joshua Buatsi takes on Willie Hutchinson for the vacant WBO Interim light-heavyweight title.