The widely discussed 2016 sparring encounter between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois remains a topic of interest, particularly for Queensberry promoter Frank Warren.
Numerous accounts of the session exist, with reports suggesting that Joshua, then world heavyweight champion, was significantly troubled, possibly even dropped or stopped, by the then 18-year-old Dubois during their time at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield.
Regardless of which version is closest to the truth, the persistent whispers were compelling enough for Warren to take a chance on the promising, though largely unproven, young heavyweight.
At the time, Warren`s decision wasn`t merely a speculative punt based on a rumor; the buzz surrounding the young Dubois was incredibly loud and widespread.
Equally impactful was the remarkable story that a raw novice, barely an adult, had supposedly gained the upper hand on Joshua, who held the world title at that stage.
In any case, Warren had heard and seen enough to conclude that investing significantly in Dubois was a gamble worth taking.
However, as Dubois now prepares for a potential undisputed title confrontation against heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk, a significantly different fighter has emerged compared to the once-timid prospect who first gained attention.
Crucially, his mental fortitude has improved, placing him in a much stronger position than he was before their initial encounter in 2023.
`Dynamite` did, of course, suffer a ninth-round knockout defeat to the formidable Ukrainian in their first meeting, but he now harbors hopes for a drastically different outcome should they face off again.
Regarding the 27-year-old`s notable change in mindset, his long-time promoter, Warren, admits that even he has been somewhat taken by surprise.
“Without being disrespectful, he wasn’t very mature, mentally, but he was only a kid,” Warren reflected on meeting Dubois for the first time. “As much as he’s a boxer, he came from a pretty sheltered background. But he’s a beast – he can hurt you.”
“I’ve seen the sparring that he’s had with people; everyone knows about the sparring he had with ‘AJ’ in the early days. I believe what I’ve been told. But the fact is that we put our money up, put our belief in him, put all of our energy behind him, and made sure that he got the opportunities.”
“He’s had a few hiccups along the way, but he’s done what he had to do. He can take the fight out of you with just one punch.”
