DESTRUCTION: Dubois crushes Joshua, keeps IBF strap

LONDON, United Kingdom (AFP) — Daniel Dubois retained his International Boxing Federation (IBF) world heavyweight title with a brutal fifth-round knockout of Anthony Joshua in an all-British spectacular at Wembley on Saturday.

The 27-year-old dominated the bout from the start in front of 96,000 passionate fans, dropping the former two-time heavyweight champion multiple times.

Dubois had spoken of his determination to “legitimize” his reign as IBF champion after being handed the belt that Oleksandr Usyk vacated in June.

He produced a destructive display that raises major questions over Joshua’s future, though Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn said he expected his fighter would pursue a rematch.

Underdog Dubois went after his celebrated rival from the start and was rewarded as his big shots wobbled the 2012 London Olympic champion time and again.

In an action-packed fifth round of the breathless clash, Dubois landed the decisive blow, having come through worrying moments himself as Joshua finally found his range.

“Are you not entertained?” he said, speaking to DAZN after the biggest win of his 24-fight career.

“It’s been a journey and I’m grateful to be in this position. I’m a gladiator, I’m a warrior until the bitter end.”

“I want to get to the top of this sport and reach my full potential.”

Oasis’ Liam Gallagher fired up the expectant crowd with a live set of three songs before fireworks exploded over Wembley.

The British rivals locked horns in a dramatic opening round that ended with Joshua being saved by the bell after he was floored by a savage overhand right.

Joshua, four pounds (1.8 kilograms) heavier than his younger opponent, was in full survival mode in round two and in the following round Dubois had him down again, a left hook causing his legs to buckle.

A standing eight count was followed by the bell and as the fourth round got under way Joshua was floored for the third time, although he protested that it was not a legitimate knockdown.

In a dramatic fifth round, Dubois was momentarily stunned by two right hands and just as Joshua looked to pile on the pressure, the 34-year-old was caught by successive right hands himself and he was down again, this time unable to beat the count.

Both fighters entered the ring intent on earning a shot at becoming undisputed world champion against Tyson Fury or Usyk.

Usyk became boxing’s first four-belt undisputed heavyweight champion in May when he beat Fury, simultaneously holding the IBF title along with the World Boxing Organization, World Boxing Council and World Boxing Association belts.

The Ukrainian agreed to a rematch with Fury rather than facing mandatory IBF challenger Dubois.

Dubois won the interim IBF title in June and was elevated to world champion status when Usyk vacated the belt.

Joshua was hoping to join an elite group including Muhammad Ali, Lennox Lewis and Evander Holyfield as a three-time heavyweight champion.

Defeat to Andy Ruiz in 2019 and two losses at the hands of Usyk left his career on the brink.

He then won four straight fights and was aiming to return to the division’s top table.