Anthony Joshua has asserted he is “still in the battlefield,” dismissing any notions of nearing retirement as he weighed in heavier for Saturday’s world-title challenge against Daniel Dubois.
The two-time unified heavyweight champion, 34, is set to face the 27-year-old Dubois for the IBF belt at Wembley Stadium. During an elaborate weigh-in at Trafalgar Square, Joshua tipped the scales at 18 stone, while Dubois weighed in at a career-high 17 stone 10 pounds.
“I look at myself as a gladiator and I’m going to step into the arena tomorrow to perform for the people,” Joshua stated. “I started late in boxing but it shows you can achieve anything. I’m not a warrior in the garden yet, I’m still on the battlefield.”
The weigh-in took place at a highly publicized venue, with Trafalgar Square cordoned off for what is considered one of Britain’s most extravagant fight weeks. Double-decker buses and black cabs formed a picturesque backdrop, with Nelson’s Column standing behind the stage set between two iconic fountains.
Dubois, who has been less vocal throughout the event, reiterated his readiness for the fight, saying, “I’m ready to fight,” three times.
The championship bout will be broadcast live at 19:00 BST on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds. Joshua, traditionally the last to weigh in, attracted significant attention, highlighting his star power.
Despite the anticipation for Dubois, who recently became the IBF champion after Oleksandr Usyk vacated the title, he weighed four pounds more than his last fight—a stoppage win over Filip Hrgovic.
Joshua, who previously weighed 18 stone for a knockout victory over Francis Ngannou in March, has engaged extensively with fans throughout the week, signing autographs and posing for selfies. He thanked the crowd, saying, “I want to thank you for sticking with me through thick and thin. If I can ask one favour, go home tonight and pray for my success tomorrow and that I become a three-time champion of the world.”
The event, organized by Turki Alalshikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s general entertainment authority, has reportedly sold all 96,000 tickets, surpassing the previous record of 94,000 set during the Tyson Fury vs. Dillian Whyte fight in 2022.
The fight week has showcased British culture, featuring a Hollywood-style grand arrivals event in Leicester Square and transforming Wembley Arena into a replica of Buckingham Palace for the open workouts. The Thursday news conference took place at Guildhall, a historic 15th-century venue.
Saturday’s entertainment includes a performance by Liam Gallagher, with fans hoping for an unexpected appearance by his brother Noel.
In the ring, Joshua boasts 25 knockouts in 28 wins, while Dubois has stopped 20 in 21 victories, indicating a strong likelihood of an exciting fight ahead.
