Anthony Joshua: A Journey Through Pain to World Championship Glory?

Anthony Joshua’s journey back to the top of heavyweight boxing has been marked by resilience, hard work, and a deep desire to reclaim his place among the sport’s elite. Now, as he prepares to face fellow British heavyweight Daniel Dubois in front of 96,000 fans at Wembley Stadium, Joshua’s eyes are set on becoming a three-time world champion. In a candid interview with BBC Sport, Joshua reflected on the pain and challenges he has endured over the past two years, and how these experiences have shaped his comeback.

Two-Year Battle with Pain and Defeat

The last two years have been a period of intense reflection and rebuilding for Joshua. The former unified heavyweight champion was left reeling after two consecutive losses to Oleksandr Usyk, with the second defeat in August 2022 leaving him visibly emotional. Joshua, who broke down in tears after the fight, has since channelled that pain into motivation for his comeback.

“I’ve worked hard and been through a lot of pain, and I’ve worked hard to get better,” Joshua said in his interview. The fighter has shown that he is not one to shy away from adversity. His ability to confront and learn from his losses has been a defining feature of his career, and he is determined to ensure that his past defeats serve as fuel for future success. “Hopefully those experiences won’t happen again because, as you saw that night, I don’t like losing.”

Road to Redemption

Joshua’s current four-fight winning streak is evidence of the hard work and dedication he has poured into his comeback. His most recent victory, a brutal knockout of former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou, has only added to the anticipation surrounding his upcoming bout with Dubois.

The 34-year-old has been focused on refining his skills, which he believes has brought him to a new level in his career. “In boxing you’re able to read certain tendencies, you’re able to read your opponent,” he said. “But there’s a supreme level that you can take it to. And it’s happened over the past eight or 10 months. I’ve really honed in on those skills.” Joshua’s willingness to adapt and evolve in the ring is what continues to make him a dangerous opponent for any heavyweight.

Facing Dubois: A Challenge Not to Be Overlooked

Daniel Dubois may be seven years younger than Joshua, but he is far from an opponent to be taken lightly. The 27-year-old IBF belt holder has built a reputation as a hard-hitting, aggressive fighter, and Joshua is fully aware of the challenge ahead.

“He is a good fighter, a brilliant fighter,” Joshua acknowledged, while also emphasising that he feels underestimated. “I think they underestimate me as well, so I will go out there and prove how good I am.” It’s clear that Joshua isn’t looking past Dubois, even with the possibility of a mega-fight against Tyson Fury looming on the horizon.

The build-up to Saturday’s fight has been a mix of intense staredowns and lighter moments. At Monday’s media day, held at London’s Old Billingsgate venue with Tower Bridge as the backdrop, Joshua and Dubois faced off for the first time since June. While Dubois appeared focused and eager to get the formalities over with, Joshua, the more experienced of the two, seemed relaxed and comfortable, posing for photos and interacting with fans. Yet, there’s no mistaking the seriousness with which Joshua is approaching this bout.

Legacy at Stake

Should Joshua defeat Dubois, he will join the ranks of heavyweight legends like Muhammad Ali, Lennox Lewis, Evander Holyfield, and Vitali Klitschko by becoming a three-time world champion. It’s a feat that would cement his legacy in the sport, particularly after the setbacks he has endured.

For Joshua, this fight represents more than just another title shot—it is a chance to prove that he still belongs at the top of the heavyweight division. His journey has been anything but straightforward, but his resilience, determination, and ability to bounce back have made him one of the most compelling figures in boxing.

With a potential fight against Tyson Fury still on the horizon, there is much more at stake for Joshua than just a title. Victory over Dubois would not only place him among the sport’s elite but also set the stage for what could be the most significant British heavyweight bout in modern history.

Our View – Fight-Fever Analysis

Anthony Joshua’s upcoming fight against Daniel Dubois represents more than just another title defence—it’s a crucial moment in Joshua’s career. After suffering two defeats to Usyk, many questioned whether Joshua still had what it takes to be at the top. His four-fight win streak, culminating in a knockout of Francis Ngannou, has gone a long way in silencing those doubts.

Fans will appreciate Joshua’s honesty in acknowledging the pain he has endured over the past two years. It’s this vulnerability that makes Joshua such a relatable figure. He has faced setbacks, but his willingness to work through them and emerge stronger is something that resonates with many.

The fight against Dubois is a crucial test. Dubois is younger, aggressive, and holds the IBF belt. But Joshua’s experience, both in the ring and handling the pressures of headlining massive events, gives him a clear edge. Fans will be watching closely to see if Joshua can deliver on his promise and prove that he still belongs among the heavyweight elite.

Ultimately, this fight is about more than just titles—it’s about legacy. Should Joshua win, he will not only reclaim a piece of the heavyweight crown but also set the stage for a potential showdown with Tyson Fury. For fans, that’s the fight everyone wants to see.