Frank Warren is a name synonymous with boxing promotion, and this week marks the start of another major event under his leadership: the fight between Daniel Dubois and Anthony Joshua at Wembley Stadium.

Known for hosting some of the biggest boxing events in history, Warren confidently states that this could surpass the record-breaking Tyson Fury vs. Dillian Whyte match in terms of ticket sales and overall magnitude. Selling over 990,000 tickets already, this upcoming fight has all the hallmarks of a legendary event.

A Bigger Event Than Ever?

When asked if this is the biggest event he has ever promoted, Warren doesn’t hesitate to compare it to Fury’s homecoming match, which sold out in just one hour with over 400,000 people queued online for tickets. He acknowledges that while Fury may have been the bigger star at the time, this fight is massive in its own right, reflecting the huge fan demand and interest.

The fight is part of the Riyadh Season, a series of global sporting and cultural events that have fundamentally shifted the landscape of boxing.

Thanks to the efforts of His Excellency Turki Al-Sheikh, Warren highlights how Riyadh has become a new hub for high-profile fights, featuring some of the most unforgettable undercards and matchups in recent years. This latest Wembley edition of the Riyadh Season, according to Warren, is poised to be a truly special event.

The Heavyweight Division in Focus

The heavyweight division, long the jewel of professional boxing, has returned to the forefront of the sport. Warren touches on the buzz around upcoming fights, such as the much-anticipated rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury, set for December 21 in Riyadh.

With major fights lined up, winners and losers of these bouts will inevitably collide in the future, keeping the division lively and full of potential.

The focus then shifts to the week ahead and the pressure on the fighters involved. While many might think Daniel Dubois is under more pressure, Warren believes it is Anthony Joshua who carries the heavier burden.

At 34 years old, Joshua has had a rough patch, losing three of his last five fights. Though he’s made some efforts to bounce back, including teaming up with a new trainer, Ben Davidson, the pressure to prove himself remains significant.

Dubois, on the other hand, has often been the underdog in his last three fights but has consistently delivered when it mattered most. Warren references the controversial low-blow incident in Dubois’ fight against Usyk, arguing that Dubois gave Usyk a tougher fight than anyone expected, including Anthony Joshua.

Pressure in the Lead-Up to the Fight

While Dubois may seem like the underdog in terms of public perception, Warren notes that Joshua has more at stake due to his experience, reputation, and standing in the boxing world. Joshua’s career trajectory will depend heavily on his performance in this fight, especially with a string of recent losses that have raised questions about his future.

As for Dubois, Warren acknowledges that while he’s not as comfortable in the media spotlight as some of his contemporaries, like Joshua or Fury, he prefers to let his fists do the talking.

Dubois has grown up in the boxing world under Warren’s watchful eye, and the promoter clearly feels a protective bond with the young fighter. Dubois has steadily built his career and resume, and despite the media scrutiny, Warren is confident in his potential.

A Storied History of British Heavyweight Fights

Warren also takes a moment to reflect on the long tradition of British heavyweight bouts, comparing this fight to classics like the famous 1993 Lewis vs. Bruno match. He sees the Dubois-Joshua fight as belonging in the same pantheon as those legendary bouts, noting its significance with the IBF title on the line.

Warren recalls the era of heavyweight greats like Joe Bugner and Henry Cooper, sharing memories of attending their 1971 fight, which he believes Bugner won despite the controversial decision. Bugner, like Dubois, was a defensive fighter, but Warren insists that Dubois is poised to take a more aggressive approach in his upcoming fight against Joshua.

Analyzing the Undercard and Other Matches

Warren’s excitement extends to the undercard as well, highlighting key matchups that promise to make this event unforgettable. One of the standout fights features Hamzah Sheeraz versus Tyler Denny. Warren believes Sheeraz has the potential to secure a victory, but he warns against underestimating Denny, who has a history of upsets.

Another interesting bout is Mark Chamberlain, a favorite of Turki Al-Sheikh, facing off against Padley. Chamberlain has been in spectacular form recently, and Warren expects another stoppage victory for the young fighter.

Perhaps one of the most anticipated undercard fights is between Anthony Cacace and Josh Warrington, with the IBO title on the line. Warren favors Cacace to win, though he acknowledges that Warrington is a formidable opponent. The depth of the undercard reflects the overall quality of the event, offering fans more than just a headline fight to look forward to.

The Future of Willie Hutchinson and Other Prospects

One fighter that Warren is particularly excited about is Willie Hutchinson, who will be facing Joshua Buatsi in a highly anticipated match. Hutchinson, once one of the most decorated amateurs in Scottish boxing history, had a brief dip in form but has since bounced back.

Warren believes Hutchinson has the tools to defeat Buatsi, a fight that will elevate Hutchinson to the next level if he succeeds.

Warren also shares insights into the possibility of Anthony Yarde facing Buatsi, a match that has been rumored but ultimately did not come to fruition for this event. However, Warren is still hopeful for future matchups involving Yarde, who remains one of the top light-heavyweight contenders.

Conclusion: A Fight for the Ages

As fight week kicks off, the excitement around Dubois vs. Joshua is palpable. With so much riding on the outcome for both fighters, this event has all the ingredients to become a defining moment in their careers.

For Frank Warren, this is yet another landmark in a career full of historic boxing promotions, and he believes this fight could very well eclipse all that have come before it. Whether Dubois can overcome Joshua and rise to the top of the heavyweight division remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: fans are in for a spectacular night of boxing at Wembley Stadium.