Dubois shatters Joshua’s world title dreams with fifth-round knockout

LONDON: Britain’s Daniel Dubois ended Anthony Joshua’s hopes of becoming a three-time heavyweight world champion with a stunning fifth-round knockout at a packed Wembley Stadium on Saturday. Dubois retained his IBF belt in emphatic fashion, delivering a powerful performance that shocked fans and tore up pre-fight predictions.

The 27-year-old Dubois sent Joshua to the canvas in the opening round with a stinging right hand, forcing the referee to administer a standing eight count. From there, Dubois dominated, unleashing a barrage of blows that left the 34-year-old Joshua struggling to stay in the fight.

Despite taking heavy punishment in round two, Joshua managed to survive, but his troubles worsened in round three as Dubois continued to land punishing right-handers, leaving Joshua literally on the ropes before being saved by the bell.

By the end of the fourth round, Joshua could barely stand, having been floored once more. It was all over in the fifth, as Dubois sealed victory, leaving Joshua’s painstaking comeback effort in tatters and his dream of regaining the heavyweight crown shattered.