Anthony Joshua challenges Daniel Dubois for the IBF world heavyweight title at Wembley Stadium on Saturday September 21, live on Sky Sports Box Office; Riyadh Season: Joshua vs Dubois also features Joshua Buatsi, Josh Kelly and Tyler Denny on a packed undercard
Oleksandr Usyk’s presence at Anthony Joshua versus Daniel Dubois could be “a distraction” for the former champion, says promoter Frank Warren.
Usyk is now the leading figure in the heavyweight division after handing Anthony Joshua two defeats and beating Tyson Fury in May to become the undisputed champion.
Committing to a rematch with Fury for December 21 meant Usyk was unable to defend the IBF title against mandatory challenger Dubois and had to vacate that belt. As interim titlist, Dubois was then upgraded to full IBF champion.
Usyk and Fury though will both be in attendance for the Riyadh Season: Joshua vs Dubois event at Wembley Stadium this Saturday, live on Sky Sports Box Office.
Warren believes that might throw off Joshua. “Usyk will be there, as will be Tyson [Fury], but I don’t think it’s anything for [Dubois]. It could be a distraction for AJ as he has beaten AJ twice,” he told Sky Sports News.
“They know how important this fight is, and as I say, I believe the winner of this will fight the winner of the fight in December.”
Dubois lost to Usyk last year, but enjoyed some success, sending the Ukrainian to the canvas with a shot that was ruled to be low.
Warren believes Dubois, who has chalked up subsequent victories over Jarrell Miller and Filip Hrgovic, is better prepared now to take on either Fury or Usyk after Joshua.
“We’ll find out. Was Anthony Joshua ready for them? He’s ready to fight Usyk again, I really do believe that,” Warren told Sky Sports.
“Having come out of the fight, shared the ring with him and knowing what happened last time, I really do believe he’s ready.”