On the night of 21st September 2024, boxing fans packed Wembley Stadium, eagerly anticipating the return of one of the UK’s finest – Anthony Joshua. Over 90,000 fans filled the arena, their excitement palpable as the lights beamed down on what was supposed to be Joshua’s return to glory. But by the end of the night, what unfolded would go down in British boxing history as one of the sport’s most shocking upsets. Daniel Dubois, in a stunning display of power and precision, knocked out Joshua in the fifth round, cementing his place as the new heavyweight king.
Round 1: Early Shock – Dubois Strikes First
From the opening bell, it was clear Daniel Dubois meant business. He wasted no time taking control, pushing Joshua onto the back foot with sharp, powerful jabs. Joshua, usually so composed, struggled to deal with the early aggression. Then, in the final moments of Round 1, Dubois landed a devastating right hand that sent Joshua to the canvas – an early shock for the thousands in attendance. Though Joshua got back to his feet, it was evident the tone of the fight had been set.
Rounds 2-3: Dubois Takes Control
The action heated up as Rounds 2 and 3 began. Joshua, still recovering from the early knockdown, found himself on the receiving end of Dubois’ relentless pressure. Dubois’ jab was a constant weapon, repeatedly landing and forcing Joshua into defensive mode. By the time Round 3 came to a close, Joshua was once again floored by a brutal combination, struggling to stay upright as the younger fighter took full control of the fight.
Round 4: Joshua in Serious Trouble
The tension grew in Round 4. Joshua was clearly struggling to cope with Dubois’ pace and power. A left hook from Dubois sent Joshua staggering back into the ropes, and it was only sheer determination that kept him standing. Dubois, however, continued his assault, and the crowd watched in disbelief as one of Britain’s most successful boxers faced the real possibility of being stopped. Joshua’s defence crumbled, and the referee seemed poised to intervene.
Round 5: The Knockout
In a brief flash of his old self, Joshua rallied in Round 5, landing a solid right hand that momentarily halted Dubois’ attack. For a fleeting moment, the tide appeared to turn, and the fans roared in support. But Dubois, unfazed, launched a thunderous right hand that landed flush on Joshua’s chin, sending him crashing to the canvas once again. Joshua tried to get back to his feet, but the count reached ten before he could steady himself. It was over. Dubois had done the unthinkable.
In a scene of dramatic contrast, Wembley Stadium, where Joshua had once enjoyed the pinnacle of his career, had now witnessed his most crushing defeat. Dubois stood victorious, having just secured the biggest win of his career and announced himself as the future of British boxing.
The Aftermath: A New Era Begins
Following the fight, Daniel Dubois stood tall, addressing his doubters with a declaration: “I’m a gladiator, I’m a warrior to the bitter end. This is my time, my redemption story.” Dubois had silenced the critics and secured his place as one of the top contenders in the heavyweight division. This was not just a victory – it was a statement to the world.
In the aftermath of defeat, Anthony Joshua showed immense sportsmanship. “Credit to him and his team. We rolled the dice of success, but we came up short,” Joshua admitted, before promising that this would not be the end of his career. Joshua, ever the fighter, made it clear that despite this devastating loss, he was not ready to walk away from the sport.
What Comes Next for Joshua and Dubois
For Daniel Dubois, this victory marks a significant turning point in his career. With his stunning performance, he now finds himself at the forefront of heavyweight boxing, with potential matchups against the likes of Tyson Fury or Oleksandr Usyk on the horizon. His name is now firmly etched among the heavyweight elite, and the future looks incredibly bright.
For Anthony Joshua, however, the future is far less certain. After back-to-back defeats to Oleksandr Usyk, and now a shocking loss to Dubois, many will question whether he can ever return to his former glory. Yet, Joshua’s resilience and determination have seen him rise from adversity before, and while his road to redemption is long, his fighting spirit remains intact.
This fight will be remembered as a moment when British boxing experienced a seismic shift. Daniel Dubois is no longer just a contender – he’s the man to beat in the heavyweight division. And for Anthony Joshua, the journey continues, but his path forward is now filled with uncertainty.
The world of boxing, with its unpredictability and drama, never fails to deliver moments that leave fans breathless. On this night, at Wembley, we witnessed the fall of a former king and the rise of a new champion.
