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The article titled "Joshua v Dubois: 'A new superstar is born' as Dubois demolishes Joshua" published on BBC Sport (URL: https://www.bbc.com/sport/boxing/articles/cn81jvd0mx2o) provides a detailed account of the stunning upset in the heavyweight boxing division where Daniel Dubois defeated Anthony Joshua in a dramatic fight at Wembley Stadium. The piece, authored by Kal Sajad, captures the essence of the event, the fighters’ performances, the implications for their careers, and the reactions from various stakeholders in the boxing world. This summary aims to extensively cover the key points and nuances of the article, providing a comprehensive overview of the historic bout and its aftermath.

The article begins by setting the scene of a highly anticipated fight in front of 96,000 fans at Wembley Stadium in London, where Daniel Dubois, a 27-year-old underdog, delivered a career-defining performance by knocking out Anthony Joshua, a two-time former heavyweight champion, in the fifth round. Dubois, described as having been underestimated by many, including Joshua himself, defied expectations by dominating the fight from the opening bell. The victory not only marked Dubois as the new IBF heavyweight champion but also reshaped the landscape of the heavyweight division, with the article proclaiming that "a new superstar is born."

Dubois’ performance is detailed with vivid descriptions of his aggressive and confident approach. From the first round, he landed significant punches, including a powerful right hand that rocked Joshua early on. The article notes that Joshua, a 34-year-old veteran with a storied career, appeared shell-shocked and unable to recover his composure throughout the fight. Dubois knocked Joshua down multiple times—first in the opening round, then again in the third and fourth rounds—before delivering the decisive blow in the fifth. A crushing right hand sent Joshua sprawling to the canvas, prompting the referee to stop the fight as Joshua struggled to regain his footing. This moment is highlighted as a turning point, not just in the fight, but in Dubois’ career, transforming him from a fighter often criticized for lacking heart into a world champion.

The article delves into the contrasting narratives surrounding the two fighters leading up to the bout. Joshua, with a record of 28 wins and 4 losses prior to this fight, was seen as the favorite, having rebuilt his career after back-to-back losses to Oleksandr Usyk in 2021 and 2022. His recent string of four consecutive victories had positioned him as a contender for another shot at the undisputed heavyweight title. On the other hand, Dubois, with a record of 22 wins and 2 losses before the fight, had faced skepticism about his mental fortitude, particularly after quitting in fights against Joe Joyce in 2020 and Usyk in 2023. However, his performance against Joshua silenced doubters, showcasing resilience, power, and tactical acumen.

Post-fight reactions form a significant portion of the article, capturing the emotional and professional ramifications of the result. Dubois expressed immense pride in his achievement, emphasizing his journey of overcoming adversity and proving his worth as a champion. He stated, "I’ve been on a rollercoaster ride, this is my time, my redemption story," reflecting on how he turned his career around with this victory. His promoter, Frank Warren, hailed Dubois as the "king slayer," predicting a bright future with potential rematches and blockbuster fights on the horizon. Warren also praised Dubois’ heart and determination, noting that he had answered all questions about his character in the ring.

Conversely, Joshua’s reaction was one of disappointment but also resilience. Despite the crushing defeat, he remained defiant, acknowledging Dubois’ performance while asserting his intent to continue his career. Joshua, who earned a reported £6 million for the fight (with potential earnings up to £25 million based on pay-per-view sales), congratulated Dubois and expressed gratitude to his fans. He admitted to making mistakes during the fight but refused to make excuses, stating, "We’re going to live to fight another day." His promoter, Eddie Hearn, echoed this sentiment, suggesting that Joshua’s career is far from over and hinting at a possible rematch with Dubois, given the contractual clauses in place.

The article also explores the broader implications of the fight for the heavyweight division. Dubois’ victory has positioned him as a central figure in the sport, with potential matchups against the likes of Tyson Fury or Oleksandr Usyk, who are set to fight in a rematch in December. The outcome of that bout could determine Dubois’ next opponent, potentially setting up a unification fight. Meanwhile, Joshua’s loss raises questions about his future trajectory. Once seen as the face of British boxing, Joshua now faces an uphill battle to reclaim his status as a top contender. The article suggests that while his legacy as a two-time champion and Olympic gold medalist remains intact, this defeat could mark a significant setback in his quest to become undisputed champion.

Expert analysis and commentary are woven throughout the piece, providing context to the fight’s significance. Former heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis described Dubois’ performance as "sensational," noting that Joshua was caught off guard by the younger fighter’s aggression. Other pundits highlighted Dubois’ improved confidence and physical conditioning, attributing his success to lessons learned from past defeats. The article also touches on the electric atmosphere at Wembley, with fans witnessing one of the most memorable upsets in recent British boxing history. The visual of Dubois standing tall over a fallen Joshua is described as an iconic image that will be etched in the minds of boxing enthusiasts.

In terms of statistics and fight metrics, the article provides insight into the disparity in performance. Dubois landed 97 punches compared to Joshua’s 54, with a higher percentage of power shots connecting. This dominance is attributed to Dubois’ strategy of pressing forward and not allowing Joshua to settle into a rhythm. Joshua, known for his technical prowess and knockout power, appeared tentative and unable to counter Dubois’ relentless pressure, a stark contrast to his usual commanding presence in the ring.

The article concludes by reflecting on the unpredictable nature of heavyweight boxing, where a single punch can change the course of a career. Dubois’ rise to prominence is celebrated as a testament to perseverance, while Joshua’s defeat serves as a reminder of the sport’s brutality and the fine margins that separate victory from defeat. The piece leaves readers with a sense of anticipation for what comes next, both for Dubois as the new champion and for Joshua as he contemplates his path forward.

In summary, the BBC Sport article captures a pivotal moment in heavyweight boxing, detailing Daniel Dubois’ sensational knockout victory over Anthony Joshua at Wembley Stadium. Through vivid descriptions, fighter reactions, expert commentary, and analysis of the broader implications, the piece paints a comprehensive picture of an unforgettable night that crowned a new champion and left a former great at a crossroads. At over 700 words, this summary reflects the depth and significance of the original content, ensuring that the key themes and details are thoroughly explored for readers seeking a full understanding of this historic event.

Read the Full BBC Article at:
[ https://www.bbc.com/sport/boxing/articles/cn81jvd0mx2o ]