Just minutes after Daniel Dubois, in his usual modest manner, remarked, “I just have a couple of things to say,” he had pummelled Anthony Joshua to the ground for the last time. He sealed a knockout victory over the ex-world champion who had twice held the heavyweight title.
It was an unmerciful demonstration of his power in the ring, but Dubois’s remarkable win required more than raw strength. The triumph was deeply rooted in a mixture of level-headedness and single-minded determination that culminated in a spectacular evening at Wembley Stadium.
For the first time Dubois departed from the reserve that has silenced him throughout his extraordinary life, making his voice heard clearly. Amidst the crowd of 96,000, he belted out, “Are you not entertained?” causing a stunned reaction amongst the spectators. However, he wanted a bigger reaction and so, once again, he roared, “Are you not entertained?”
The subsequent reaction was deafening as the crowd, who had previously supported Joshua, roared their approval for the unexpected new champion.
Hailing from Greenwich and now 27-years-old, Daniel Dubois is the progeny of Dave Dubois, a past Camden Market stallholder and father to eleven children. Dave had assured me that he had made a fortune in selling posters in New York and by 1997 became a committed lone parent after securing his financial stability.
Dave’s youngest seven children, starting with Daniel, were raised solely by him. The siblings were primarily homeschooled and even though Daniel and his siblings Caroline, Prince and Solomon have displayed extraordinary boxing skills, they’ve always been somewhat overshadowed by their father’s presence. Daniel especially has been observed to be often reticent and shy.
Dubois was open to criticism following his two professional losses where he was alleged to have given up. With Joe Joyce’s brutal knock-down in November 2020 leading him to collapse on one knee and failing to get back up, he was subjected to both online mockery and criticism from several ex-combatants. Further examination later in the evening revealed a severe fracture to his eye socket – continuing the fight would have jeopardized his sight.
Similarly, in the face of a knock-down by Oleksandr Usyk in August, Dubois was unable to recover, leading to cries of him lacking the spirit and courage required of a world champion.
Usyk, however, held a distinct viewpoint. Having been on the receiving end of a powerful hit by the young British contender, which had been categorised as a low blow, he acknowledged Dubois’s strength. Usyk used the opportunity to recover in the four minutes provided by the referee and subsequently managed to knock out Dubois in the ninth round.
Memories of Usyk consoling Dubois in the ring the previous year came back vividly on Saturday night.
Usyk, in his halting but urgent English, aimed to comfort a distraught Dubois, saying, “It’s not bad… It’s boxing, it’s not ballet… Daniel, you’re young… You can dream… Man, dude, relax… It’s boxing. It’s a tough sport, brother.”
Perhaps Dubois remembered Usyk’s words when he radiated a calm aura after his victory over Joshua, asserting that he was a gladiator and a warrior determined to realize his full potential. His press conference comments gave heartfelt thanks to his father and revealed his tenacity, likening himself to ‘Daniel in the lion’s den’, proclaiming his invincibility and determination.
Then came Joshua, who had been advised by his promoter, Eddie Hearn, to avoid the media, but stayed true to his nature by showing up. His losses to Andy Ruiz Jr and Usyk twice didn’t compare in severity to the beating he took this time.
Hearn made the correct decision that Joshua, presumably suffering from a concussion, should refrain from giving any answers. However, he communicated with dignity and modesty.
“Always keep your chin up,” Joshua remarked. “We grasped for success but fell short sadly. We took a risk. I’ve had 13 world title fights. Not all have been wins, but each one was thrilling and provided entertainment. You might wonder – do I have the drive to continue the fight?”
At the age of 34, he smiled with regret.
“Naturally, I wish to continue the battle. Will we flee or face the challenge another day? That is who I am – a soldier. And, before I wrap up, it’s only right to acknowledge our competitor, Daniel. I tip my hat to him and his team. We fell short a few times, but narrow margins can lead to losses at the highest tier.”
As Joshua expressed gratitude for our audience, acknowledging his appreciation for everyone, varying feelings played across his face. He was proud yet shattered, resolute but wounded. Hearn hinted at the lucrative battles that could be in the pipeline for Joshua – whether a rematch with Dubois or a clash with Tyson Fury is in the card.
Despite Dubois holding the IBF title, Usyk retained his rightful place as world champion, and the Ukrainian’s straightforward counsel to Dubois echoed once more. Joshua should relish his wealth from the safer side of the ring, away from the harsh realm of boxing, far from ballet.
Dubois, on the other hand, can relish his vindication and the transient exhilaration that heavyweight boxing showers upon its younger victors. It’s not a lasting joy because, in the final analysis, boxing conquers all. – Guardian