Daniel Dubois backs Tyson Fury to beat Anthony Joshua
WBO heavyweight world champion Daniel Dubois has offered his definitive prediction for the highly anticipated showdown between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. He’s backing Fury to win their clash for the WBA (Super) heavyweight title later this year in Cardiff. Dubois, a formidable figure in the sport, weighed in as boxing fans eagerly await the December bout.
His comments come with unique insight; Dubois famously defeated Joshua himself in 2024. While the “Gypsy King” and “AJ” prepare for their long-awaited encounter, Dubois also faces a crucial rematch of his own in the coming weeks.
Daniel Dubois on Tyson Fury’s Chances in Cardiff
Daniel Dubois didn’t mince words when asked about the colossal matchup between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. “I think Fury [wins],” he stated, adding that he hopes the fight finally happens after years of anticipation. Both men are “legends of British boxing,” according to Dubois.
The eagerly awaited bout is set to take place in Cardiff, with the WBA (Super) heavyweight world title at stake. This fight could see either man become a three-time heavyweight world champion, a rare achievement in the sport.
There is currently no official list available detailing the full fight card or other specific arrangements for the upcoming Tyson Fury versus Anthony Joshua bout.
Dubois’s History with Anthony Joshua
Dubois has firsthand experience with Anthony Joshua, having delivered a stunning defeat to “AJ” at Wembley Stadium in September 2024. Joshua was attempting to become a three-time heavyweight world champion when he challenged Dubois for the IBF heavyweight crown. Instead, Dubois dominated the contest, securing a round five knockout.
Since that significant setback, Joshua has been rebuilding his career under the guidance of trainer Iegor Golub, who also coaches Oleksandr Usyk. Joshua has since secured victories over Jake Paul and Kristian Prenga. These triumphs reportedly earned him this shot at the now-vacant WBA belt against Fury.
Fury Mocks Joshua’s Durability
Tyson Fury has publicly seized on Joshua’s knockout loss to Dubois, frequently mocking “AJ’s” durability. Fury pointed out that Dubois knocked Joshua down multiple times, a feat other notable opponents like Jarrell Miller, Filip Hrgovic, Oleksandr Usyk, and Fabio Wardley couldn’t manage. His remarks have added a sharp edge to the rivalry.
Anthony Joshua has, in turn, criticized Fury for these comments. He reportedly labeled Fury a “d***-rider,” suggesting that Fury was taking too much encouragement from Dubois’s performance rather than focusing on his own success. This verbal sparring highlights the psychological warfare preceding their December clash.
WBO Champion Focused on Wardley Rematch
Despite his candid prediction, Daniel Dubois quickly downplayed the importance of the Fury-Joshua fight to his immediate plans. “Let’s be real, I don’t even care about that fight,” Dubois stated firmly, emphasizing his commitment to his next challenge. He insisted, “I’m not looking past Fabio at all.”
Dubois is scheduled to face Fabio Wardley in a rematch on October 17. This upcoming bout holds significant importance for Dubois as he aims to defend his WBO heavyweight world championship and cement his position in the division. His singular focus underscores the immediate demands of his career.
Frank Warren Backs Fury, Citing Dubois Precedent
Tyson Fury’s long-time promoter, Frank Warren, has echoed Dubois’s confidence, publicly stating his belief that Fury will stop Joshua. Warren explicitly cited Joshua’s previous knockout loss to Dubois as a key factor in his assessment. “I was confident Daniel Dubois was going to do that, and he did it, and I’m confident Tyson will do the same thing in as quick time,” Warren explained.
This shared perspective from both a reigning champion and a prominent promoter adds considerable weight to the narrative surrounding Joshua’s perceived vulnerability. It suggests a strategic weakness that Fury’s camp is keen to exploit, further intensifying the psychological battle before the bell even rings.
Dubois’s Unification Ambitions and Heavyweight Landscape
Looking beyond his immediate rematch with Fabio Wardley, Daniel Dubois has articulated his long-term ambition for a unification bout. He expressed a keen interest in facing the winner of the Tyson Fury versus Anthony Joshua fight, especially if Fury emerges victorious. Dubois believes “those are the fights that boxing is all about,” signaling his desire to collect more belts and solidify his legacy.
As the WBO heavyweight world champion since May 2026, Dubois holds a significant piece of the division’s puzzle. A unification clash with either Fury or Joshua would be a monumental event, drawing immense global attention and solidifying his standing.
The financial stakes for such a high-profile bout are immense, mirroring the significant market movements seen in other sectors. This long-term goal reveals Dubois’s strategic vision for his career.
The Vacant WBA Belt and Usyk’s Influence
The WBA (Super) heavyweight world title, which Fury and Joshua will contest, became vacant after a series of events involving Oleksandr Usyk. The Ukrainian champion had previously defeated Anthony Joshua twice and Tyson Fury twice, asserting his dominance.
Usyk’s decision to vacate the IBF belt directly led to Daniel Dubois becoming the champion in that weight class, highlighting the fluid nature of heavyweight boxing. Big names often drive the sport’s shifting landscape.
This intricate chain of events shows how interconnected the careers of these top heavyweights are. Each major fight, title vacancy, and strategic decision creates new opportunities and reshuffles the hierarchy. The upcoming Fury-Joshua bout is a direct result of these movements, promising another thrilling chapter for boxing enthusiasts worldwide.