The 34-year-old lost the unified belts to Oleksandr Usyk in 2021 and came up short again in their 2022 rematch. Since then, however, Joshua has been on a tear, securing four consecutive victories, including a decision over Jermaine Franklin and knockouts of Robert Helenius, Otto Wallin, and UFC star Francis Ngannou.

Dubois, meanwhile, also tasted defeat at the hands of Usyk, losing by stoppage in 2023. However, the 27-year-old has rebuilt with decisive wins, including stoppages over Jarrell Miller and Filip Hrgovic, claiming the interim IBF title. With Usyk vacating the belt, Dubois was elevated to full champion status, making tonight’s clash his first defence.

Dubois makes his ring walk first and there is a deafening applause. The world champion arrives tO a champion’s welcome.

Then follows Joshua who starts his walk to the theme tune from The Godfather and then it quickly shifts into some Jay-Z. Dressed in a very slick white robe with shoulder pads from the 70s, Joshua stands tall with his chest out and he looks almost robotic as he walks.

The song ‘War’ from the movie Rocky IV plays as he steps into the ring.

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