Dubois knocks out Joshua to retain IBF heavyweight title

LondonDaniel Dubois retained his International Boxing Federation (IBF) heavyweight title by knocking out former two-time world champion Anthony Joshua in the fifth round on Saturday in the first defense of his belt.

Joshua had already been knocked down in the first and third rounds at Wembley Stadium before falling flat on his face after a straight right hand from his compatriot. The referee waved off the fight between the Britons.

“This is my moment, my redemption story,” said Dubois, who became IBF champion after Oleksandr Usyk vacated the belt in June. “I will not stop until I reach my full potential.”

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The fight took place in front of a record British crowd of 96,000 fans.

Joshua arrived as the favourite as he looked to emulate boxing greats like Muhammad Ali and Lennox Lewis as a three-time heavyweight champion.

However, he was outclassed by Dubois, who completed his mission of legitimizing his status as heavyweight champion.

Dubois is looking to fight the winner of the rematch between WBA, WBC and WBO champion Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury.

“I’m a gladiator. I’m a warrior to the end,” Dubois said. “I want to get to the highest level.”

Joshua vowed to keep boxing after a fourth defeat in the past five years. However, this was the worst of all. He was saved by the bell in the first and third rounds after knockdowns.

“I had a sharp opponent, a fast opponent,” Joshua said. “A lot of the mistakes were mine.”