Dubois warned of pressure facing Joshua

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Daniel Dubois has been warned that the pressure of facing Anthony Joshua at Wembley could be too much for him to handle, according to Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn.

Dubois is set to defend his heavyweight world title against the former two-time champion in front of a massive crowd at the national stadium on Saturday.

Hearn, speaking ahead of the bout, expressed doubts about Dubois’ ability to cope with the occasion, despite the challenger’s experience fighting Oleksandr Usyk in a stadium atmosphere last year.

“I think his head will fall off,” Hearn said.“That could make him more dangerous, but I’m not sure he’ll be able to execute his game plan. He might come out like a bull, which could be his best chance, but he might also get bumped.”

Dubois’ fight with Usyk in Poland provided him with some experience of the big stage, but Hearn insists facing Joshua at Wembley in front of up to 96,000 fans will be a completely different level of pressure.

“When he makes that walk through the tunnel and stands in front of that crowd, I don’t think he’ll be able to compose himself like AJ,” Hearn added.

For Joshua, the fight marks his first world title challenge since his loss to Usyk in their 2021 rematch. Hearn believes the 34-year-old is embracing the role of challenger rather than champion and is more motivated than ever to reclaim his position at the top of the heavyweight division.

“He’s dialled in,” Hearn said.“He knows how much he needs this win and what being a world champion again means for his legacy. I think it suits him to come in as the challenger.”

While Hearn acknowledged Dubois’ interim champion status, he emphasised that Joshua’s experience and focus could prove decisive during the night.

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