Anthony Joshua sets record straight on Daniel Dubois rumours ahead of blockbuster boxing clash
Boxing news: Anthony Joshua has finally addressed the long-standing rumours surrounding a sparring session with Daniel Dubois in 2016
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Anthony Joshua has finally addressed the long-standing rumours surrounding a sparring session with Daniel Dubois in 2016.
The former two-time unified heavyweight champion has grown weary of the exaggerated narratives circulating ahead of their upcoming bout at Wembley.
And now, speaking to Sky Sports, AJ has provided clarity and insisting claims he was dropped are wide of the mark.
He said: "He just cracked me with a good shot. I stood on my feet."
Boxing news: Anthony Joshua has finally addressed the long-standing rumours surrounding a sparring session with Daniel Dubois in 2016
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The 34-year-old boxer expressed frustration with the unverified accounts, adding, "I don't know where this whole narrative of someone turned my lights off came from."
Joshua emphasised that numerous witnesses were present during the sparring session. He continued: "There were a lot of people in the gym that day as well.
"With me, there's always been like an inch that makes a mile. But it's all good."
Joshua's perspective on the sparring incident remains firm and he says other figures who were present can back him up.
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Boxing news: Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois will fight on September 21
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"And people have come out and said, 'Nah, nothing [happened]," Joshua noted, referencing others who have corroborated his version of events, such as Eddie Hearn.
The build-up to their upcoming match at Wembley has been dominated by these sparring rumours.
Dubois, now 26, has inadvertently fuelled speculation by refusing to comment on the incident.
Joshua and Dubois are both experiencing career resurgences having previously been written off.
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Boxing news: Anthony Joshua will go into his clash with Daniel Dubois on a high after beating Francis Ngannou back in March
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AJ has secured four consecutive victories, including a knockout win over former UFC champion Francis Ngannou back in March.
Meanwhile, Dubois has rebounded from a disappointing performance against Oleksandr Usyk with two stoppage wins over Jarrell Miller and Filip Hrgovic.
Dubois is determined to become the new face of British heavyweight boxing. Speaking recently, he declared: "AJ's been the king for a long time and on the night, I need to become a king slayer."
The 26-year-old added, "I'm learning more about myself as a fighter, as a person, coming out of the darkness and into the light, improving all around as a fighter and as an athlete."
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Joshua, however, remains resolute in his position. He responded, "I'm not saying that he has the chance to do it on September 21 because what you speak is sometimes what comes into existence."
"But I won't let it happen, I'll show you how good I am."
He concluded with a firm statement of intent, insisting he won't ever let anybody get the better of him. He said: "Whether it's in the ring sparring or whether it's in the ring fighting, I won't let anyone manhandle me or try to knock me out. No way."
The upcoming clash between Joshua and Dubois at Wembley Stadium marks a pivotal moment for both fighters.
Joshua, at 34, aims to solidify his position as British boxing's premier heavyweight while Dubois, who is eight years his junior, sees this as his opportunity to ascend to the throne.
The fight at Wembley takes place on September 21.