Following his stunning stoppage-time win over Croatian fighter Filip Hrgovic, Daniel Dubois has issued a challenge to Anthony Joshua, the two-time former unified world heavyweight champion, for a blockbuster heavyweight bout, reports say.
Dubois, 26, had a rough start to the fourth fight in the 5 v 5 tournament in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday night, with Hrgovic clearly dominating the first couple of rounds.
The British boxer, who currently holds the IBF interim world championship, managed to recover from the early setbacks. He began to find his rhythm, landing punches that caused blood to pour from Hrgovic’s face.
In the seventh round, the Greenwich-born fighter saw his opportunity. He seized it with both hands, delivering punishing blows to Hrgovic. Referee John Latham stepped in, stopping the fight as Hrgovic walked into the neutral corner, and called the doctor.
After a brief examination, the fight was called off, and Dubois was declared the IBF interim world heavyweight title champion.
This victory sets up a potential fight against Joshua later this year.
Speaking about the proposed bout, Dubois said, “I hope the next opponent will be AJ, so bring it on. This is my era and this is my time.”
“I have full respect for the guy. Coming through that was a learning experience,” he added. “I’m glad I got the belt and now it’s on to the next. I was a bit cold to start off with, but I had the corner advice from Frank Warren and my dad.”
“I took some shots, but they were only to wake me up. The first few stung, but they woke me up. I’m so proud of myself. It is all a learning experience. We are back on top. It has felt like a rollercoaster.”
According to The Mirror, a British publication, promoter Frank Warren mentioned that the fight could take place at Wembley, London, in September.
