Wed Sep 18 02:36:36 UTC 2024: ## Joshua Ready to Conquer Wembley, Reflects on Painful Journey Back to the Top
Ahead of his IBF world heavyweight title fight against Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, Anthony Joshua spoke candidly about the challenges he has faced in his bid to reclaim his spot at the pinnacle of boxing.
Joshua, who is looking to win a world title for the first time since his defeat to Oleksandr Usyk in 2021, told the BBC that his journey back has been marked by “pain” and “internal difficulties.” He highlighted the emotional toll of his two losses to Usyk, stating: “I’ve worked hard and been through a lot of pain, and I’ve worked hard to get better. Hopefully, those experiences won’t happen again because, as you saw that night [after the second Usyk loss], I don’t like losing.”
Since his 2022 defeat, Joshua has staged a remarkable comeback with convincing victories over Jermaine Franklin, Robert Helenius, Otto Wallin, and most recently, a brutal knockout of former UFC champion Francis Ngannou.
“I think I’m gifted with an ability to fight and compete. In boxing you’re able to read certain tendencies, you’re able to read your opponent, so I can always have an eye for that,” Joshua said, reflecting on his improved skillset. “But there’s a supreme level that you can take it to. And it’s happened over the past eight or 10 months. I’ve really honed in on those skills.”
The upcoming fight against Dubois is expected to draw a massive crowd of 96,000 fans to Wembley, and the victor will likely face either Tyson Fury or Usyk next, depending on the outcome of their rematch in December.
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