Exclusive: Eddie Hearn’s Expectations for Joshua vs. Dubois

Matchroom Boxing CEO Eddie Hearn shared his thoughts on the upcoming fight between former world champion Anthony Joshua (28-3, 25 KOs) and IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois (21-2, 20 KOs) in an exclusive interview for Ready to Fight.

– Eddie, back at Wembley, it’s a massive event, isn’t it? Seven and a half years since that legendary night with Wladimir Klitschko (when Anthony Joshua defeated Wladimir Klitschko by TKO at Wembley in April 2017 – ed.). Do you think this night will break records in a different way?

– Yes, I think with all the preparation, the undercard, and the main event, if everything aligns, this will be an incredible night. The fight, the atmosphere, the fans – everything is set, and the undercard is even better. There are some potentially thrilling matchups, and I really feel that Joshua vs. Dubois will be exciting. Daniel is confident, but he knows the threat Anthony brings. Both fighters are big punchers, and I’m already nervous, but I’m looking forward to it.

– You always seem a bit nervous because you’ve been with AJ for so long. He’s a huge part of your life, but he looks amazing, refreshed under Ben Davison’s guidance. He’s been showing great results, and he’s relaxed this week. I think we might see something special.

– You know, your nervous energy comes from the fighters’ energy. When you see someone so confident, see how hard they work in the gym, how well they connect with their trainer, it calms you down. And honestly, I feel more relaxed than I have before any other AJ fight. We’ve reached a point in his career and team where everything is in place. After the losses to Ruiz and Usyk, we know what we’re capable of.

People have asked, "AJ said ‘pray for me tonight,’ what does that mean?" It’s because he knows this game. He knows the dangers of the sport, and he’s done everything possible to prepare for this fight. All he needs to do now is execute, and he’ll become a three-time heavyweight world champion – a very short list.

– Dubois is dangerous, he’s got momentum, Don Charles is with him, and I don’t think he’ll freeze. Maybe he’ll do everything to keep his title, but will that be enough to beat Joshua?

– I think it depends a lot on what Dubois does. I honestly think Dubois won’t be able to control his emotions, which could make him more dangerous. He might come out fired up, but if you make mistakes against Anthony Joshua early, you’ll pay for them. I don’t know what Dubois’ trainers will advise, but that plays into AJ’s hands. So, I’m not sure what the game plan will be, but Joshua needs to capitalize on Dubois’ mistakes, and he makes plenty of them.

Ben Davison and Lee Wylie are masters at this, and while it’s a dangerous task, it’s not a complicated one tactically. I’m sure Dubois respects AJ’s power, and vice versa. Both will be cautious, but when the punches start flying, and they exchange blows, you can imagine both going for it simultaneously. As Frank (Warren) said, this could turn into a heavyweight classic.

– Turki Al Al-Sheikh will be ringside – what will he think of this Wembley show? A British clash with thousands of fans.

– If he loves boxing, let him wait until Sunday morning because he’s about to witness something extraordinary. It’s going to be a special night for British sport and boxing. I can’t wait to get to Wembley.

– Last question from me: if AJ becomes a three-time champion, Usyk or Fury awaits. What’s the ideal scenario for the next 18 months?

– You know, the fight everyone has always wanted is against Tyson Fury. Fury can win, AJ can win – it would be the biggest fight in the history of the sport. But whatever it takes for AJ to become undisputed, I’ve always believed it would happen. Maybe not the way we thought, but if he wins tonight – we’re just one fight away.

– And he will win?

– I believe he’ll win tomorrow night, and I believe he’ll become the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.

The fight takes place on September 21 at Wembley Stadium in London, UK.