Joshua vs Dubois LIVE: Fight start time and undercard results as heavyweights clash at Wembley tonight
Follow live as Anthony Joshua challenges Daniel Dubois for the IBF belt, in front of a record crowd of 96,000
Anthony Joshua will box Daniel Dubois in an all-British heavyweight title fight tonight, with a domestic-record crowd expected to fill out Wembley Stadium.
It is believed that 96,000 fans will be present to see Joshua challenge Dubois for the IBF heavyweight title, as “AJ” bids to become a three-time world champion.
The 34-year-old lost the unified belts to Oleksandr Usyk on points in 2021 and failed to regain them in a rematch in 2022, but he has since won four straight fights. That run consisted of a decision victory over Jermaine Franklin plus knockouts of Robert Helenius, Otto Wallin and – most recently – UFC star Francis Ngannou in March.
Meanwhile, Dubois also failed to overcome Usyk, losing to the Ukrainian via stoppage last year, before Usyk became undisputed champion against Tyson Fury in May. Since then, however, Dubois has stopped Jarrell Miller and Filip Hrgovic, with his win over the latter bringing the interim IBF title. Dubois, 27, was then elevated to regular champion when Usyk vacated the official belt. And tonight’s winner at Wembley could get a shot at redemption against Usyk, if the unbeaten southpaw defeats Fury again in December.
Follow live updates from Joshua vs Dubois and the undercard, below.
Joshua vs Dubois LIVE: Tyson Fury issues bullish prediction
Tyson Fury was asked live on DAZN what he expected from tonight’s main event between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois.
“They’re going to knock the sh** out of each of other. It’s going to be a good fight,” the Gypsy King replied, in characteristic fashion.
We’re 40 minutes away from ring walks.
Joshua vs Dubois LIVE: AJ arrives at Wembley Stadium
And just like that... Joshua arrives! In an all-white outfit, AJ with a strapped bag enters the stadium, strolling past a number of cameras and delivering a few fist bumps.
A thumbs up and Joshua disappears into his changing room. Relaxed, but without a smile, Joshua looks extremely focused.
Joshua vs Dubois LIVE: AJ yet to enter Wembley Stadium
Daniel Dubois arrived over an hour ago, yet Anthony Joshua is nowhere to be seen.
We’re told he’s warming up in a nearby hotel, in the zone and away from the noise and distractions.
It’s an interesting strategy, but there is just over an hour until ring walks are due for the main event. Liam Gallagher is up next though, a three-song set is due up in 15 minutes...
Joshua vs Dubois LIVE: Tyler Denny vs Hamzah Sheeraz
A quite devastating performance from Sheeraz here! A first-round knockdown after just 12 seconds in the first bell.
And Denny was left in a daze from then on, shots clipping the top of his head and those winging bombs leaving him exposed in the corner just long enough to crumble into the ropes.
And as Denny leaped up, the referee snatched the last remaining hope, Sheeraz collapses to the canvas to celebrate and the undercard is complete!
Hamzah Sheeraz def. Tyler Denny by TKO2 to win EBU middleweight title
Joshua vs Dubois LIVE: Tyler Denny vs Hamzah Sheeraz
This should be a cracker, you can feel the energy rising inside Wembley Stadium, with Hamzah Sheeraz strolling to the ring.
What a talent this young man is, but Tyler Denny has immense momentum behind him and should drag him down to some tough places throughout this bout.
Joshua vs Dubois LIVE: Joshua Buatsi vs Willy Hutchinson
Round 11
Buatsi goes straight for the body and forces Hutchinson to cover up, leaving the head open for attack.
Remaining resilient, Hutchinson fights back with a left hook before the pair trade short strikes. The Scot then goes for a superman punch that fails to land.
Round ends with both swinging and missing overhands. All things considered, a very positive round for Hutchinson.
Round 12
Both men start the last going for the KO. Hutchinson will feel he has it all to do with two knockdowns and a points deduction to his name.
Great work from Hutchinson as he closes the distance and lands a combination. Overhand after overhand coming in, Buatsi is covering up and blocking successfully.
Thirty seconds left and an uppercut goes awry. Buatsi is locking up with an eye for the clock and the fight goes the distance.
Fight of the night so far, but another decision will be required...
Joshua Buatsi def. Willy Hutchinson by split decision (117-108, 115-110, 112-113)
Buatsi is your WBO interim light-heavyweight champion of the world. Even with the knockdowns, the heart of Hutchinson did enough to convince one judge. But in the end, it seems the right man won.
Joshua vs Dubois LIVE: Joshua Buatsi vs Willy Hutchinson
Round nine
Buatsi with another flurry as he turns on the gas at the beginning of the ninth. But just when you think Willy’s in trouble, he comes back with a vengeance!
Hutchinson lays in a receipt and Buatsi covers up. For a moment he looks in trouble but he recovers, with Hutchinson unable to keep up a persistent attack. Body shots continue to rain in from Buatsi and, finally, it proves too much for Hutchinson to take, dropping to his knees for a reprieve. A second knockdown for Buatsi. Hutchinson gets back to his feet to take it to a tenth. Some heart.
Round ten
What is Hutchinson made of? He’s still giving it absolutely everything and he’s not simply trying to survive, he’s trying to win. More stiff shots land on the head of Buatsi, but the man in black and pink responds with big punches of his own. Again, it’s all eaten by Hutchinson who is showing off a chin of steel. Championship rounds required.
Josh Warrington hints at retirement with gesture in defeat to Anthony Cacace
Josh Warrington appeared to retire after defeat to Anthony Cacace on the Anthony Joshua vs Daniel Dubois undercard at Wembley Stadium.
The Leeds Warrior dropped a decision to the Irishman for the IBO world super feather title, and was then seen leaving his gloves in the middle of the ring.
A popular gesture when fighters retire immediately after doing battle inside the ring, Warrington then posed for a picture with his gloves by his feet.
Josh Warrington hints at retirement with gesture in defeat to Anthony Cacace
The Leeds fighter lost on points to Anthony Cacace before a symbolic gesture inside the ring after the decision was announced
Joshua vs Dubois LIVE: Joshua Buatsi vs Willy Hutchinson
Round seven
Buatsi is wailing on Hutchinson and is looking like a real beast in there now. Big shots landing and Hutchinson looks in trouble.
However, the Scot comes right back to life and responds with a stiff right hook of his - only for the ref to step in and deduct a point from Hutchinson for leading with his head.
Both continue firing punches back and forth for the remainder of the round. Hutchinson looks like he’s fading in energy but his fighting spirit is still sky high and he’s throwing bombs.
To end the seventh, Buatsi connects with a huge overhand but doesn’t have the time to properly follow up. That shot may have won him the round regardless.
Round eight
Firm left hook from Hutchinson to combat Buatsi, who is firing at the body. The Ghanaian-native looks to have more left in the tank of the two and is delivering consistent punishment - but Hutchinson is staying on his feet.
Then, lights out! Not one of the fighters, but for Wembley itself as a gloomy darkness falls on the ring. They’re quickly flicked back on and the eighth goes to the bell.
Joshua vs Dubois LIVE: Joshua Buatsi vs Willy Hutchinson
Round five
Left hook from Buatsi gets the fifth going as he snaps the head of Hutchinson back. Into the corner and works the body, Hutchinson meanwhile looking for an upper-cut in close quarters.
Hutchinson gets cut above the right eye after an inadvertant clash of heads but it doesn’t seem to immediately affect him, instead connecting with a nice combination of punches as he succeeds with a level change.
Looks like Buatsi switched off for a second there.
Round six
Hutchinson starts well but Buatsi begins to have joy with the jab, getting Hutchinson into the corner before laying in body shots.
The Scot then eats a stiff right and gets pounced on by Buatsi. Another good jab and Hutchinson is up against the ropes. He’s in trouble, he’s grimacing, and he’s down!
Hutchinson beats the count and is able to hold out for the final few seconds of the round. But this will give Buatsi a massive boost.
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