Daniel Dubois, the current IBF World Heavyweight Champion, is on the brink of the biggest fight of his career. In a recent interview, Dubois opened up about his journey to this pivotal moment and how it feels to be at the top of the boxing world. As he prepares for an epic showdown against Anthony Joshua at Wembley Stadium, Dubois reflects on his past, his growth as a fighter, and what this fight means for his future.

A Long Road to the Top

Dubois’ rise to IBF champion has not been without its challenges. Reflecting on his losses to Joe Joyce and Oleksandr Usyk, Dubois acknowledges how those defeats helped shape him as a fighter. In particular, his loss to Usyk was a turning point, forcing him to go back to the drawing board and rebuild from the ground up.

“You know, going back to your loss against Joe Joyce and then having to rebuild, then the loss against Usyk—that was the molding of you as a fighter because you seem to take something from that,” Dubois explained. “You went back to the gym, and you came back with some brilliant wins.”

Those wins were not just any victories; they were significant milestones in Dubois’ career. Beating Jarrell Miller and Philip Hrgovic, both formidable opponents, positioned him as a top contender. Dubois went into those fights as the underdog, but his determination and grit saw him emerge victorious. These wins ultimately led to him being elevated to IBF World Heavyweight Champion, marking a significant achievement in his career.

Bouncing Back Stronger

For Dubois, those victories against Miller and Hrgovic were defining moments. They were not just about proving his ability in the ring, but also about redemption. He speaks about how those fights helped him rebuild his confidence and solidify his status in the heavyweight division.

“Coming through that, it’s just building. Those two fights were like my redeeming fights for me. So, bouncing off of that, I’m the man of the future now,” Dubois said. He believes that these challenges have built his character, transforming him into a more resilient and focused fighter.

Now, as IBF champion, Dubois is determined to stay on top. He understands that reaching the pinnacle of the sport is only part of the journey—the real test lies in staying there. “I’m the champ right now, and I need to stay the champ,” Dubois remarked, showing his focus and determination.

Facing Anthony Joshua: A Long-Awaited Showdown

The upcoming fight against Anthony Joshua is a monumental moment for both fighters. Dubois and Joshua have history—they sparred together years ago, when Dubois was still a young up-and-coming fighter. While sparring is often considered a different kind of contest compared to a professional fight, rumors have swirled about how their session went.

When asked about the sparring, Dubois is quick to dismiss its significance. “It is what it is. That was a spar back then. Now we’re fighting, man. This is what the world wants to see. No one cares about a spar. This is it,” he said.

What makes this fight even more special is the historic nature of the event. Two British heavyweights battling for the world title in front of 96,000 fans at Wembley Stadium is a rarity. Dubois recognizes the significance of the moment, referencing other legendary British heavyweight showdowns, such as Lennox Lewis vs. Frank Bruno. He understands that this fight is not just about his own career but about making history.

“This is going to make history,” Dubois said, his excitement evident as he talked about the magnitude of the event. For Dubois, this is a chance to not only prove himself against one of the biggest names in boxing but also to leave a lasting legacy.

The Barn and the Mental Preparation

In preparation for the fight, Dubois has been training in a secluded barn with his coach, Don Charles. The barn has become something of a sanctuary for Dubois—a place where he can focus, hone his skills, and mentally prepare for the biggest challenge of his career. He jokingly refers to the unwritten rule of training in such an isolated setting: “What happens in the barn stays in the barn.”

One unique aspect of the barn is its proximity to Wembley Stadium. From the car park outside, Dubois can see the iconic Wembley arches, which serve as a constant reminder of what’s to come. Dubois speaks about how he often stands there, staring at the arches, meditating and reflecting on the challenge ahead.

“Many times, meditating and everything,” Dubois said about those moments. “Just more—this is it. This is the big league. This is the start of my next chapter in my career.”

For Dubois, these moments of reflection are crucial in his mental preparation. He understands that boxing is as much a mental game as it is physical, and he is ready to seize the moment when the time comes.

The Night of the Fight

As the fight draws near, Dubois is not just focused on the technical aspects of boxing but also on the experience itself. Walking into the ring in front of 96,000 people, with the spotlight on him and the world watching, Dubois is prepared to feed off the energy of the crowd. He sees this pressure not as a burden but as fuel to help him perform at his best.

“I’ll just be feeding off it, man. Let the energy come through me and just feed off the energy of the crowd, the music, and everything that’s going to be happening,” Dubois said. He knows that this is his moment to shine and is determined to make it an unforgettable fight.

As the interview wraps up, Dubois is brimming with confidence. He smiles as he talks about the fight, clearly excited for the opportunity to prove himself on the biggest stage. For Dubois, this fight is the culmination of years of hard work and dedication, and he is ready to show the world what he’s capable of.

“This is your moment, your time,” the interviewer remarks, and Dubois wholeheartedly agrees. He has worked hard to get to this point, and now, under the bright lights of Wembley, he is ready to make history.

A Night to Remember

As the fight approaches, all eyes will be on Wembley Stadium, where Dubois and Joshua will face off in what promises to be an epic battle. For Dubois, this is more than just another fight—it is the defining moment of his career, the chance to cement his legacy as one of the greats in the sport.

The world will be watching, and Dubois is ready to deliver. As he said to his fans, “It’s going to be an epic show. You’re not going to want to miss this one.”