Daniel Dubois says he is ready to take the baton from long-reigning “king” Anthony Joshua, when the pair meet later this month.
Dubois defends his IBF heavyweight world title against Joshua at Wembley Stadium on September 21, before an expected 96,000 fans.
‘AJ’ is attempting to become a three-time heavyweight world champion in what will be his third bout at the national stadium.
Joshua, alongside Tyson Fury, has long been one of the faces of British heavyweight boxing for the last decade, although Dubois feels victory over the 34-year-old two weeks on Saturday, will signify a passing of the torch.
“As you know, I was in a dark place and I was going through some stuff, but I feel like I’ve been resurrected now,” Dubois said during a recent face-off interview with DAZN.
“I’m in the light again and I’m ready to fight.
“He’s been the king for a while. He’s been the king for a long time, in fact.
“But you know what: I feel like it’s my time.
“I’m a king slayer, and I’ve got to do that again.”
The 26-year-old was elevated to full IBF champion after Oleksandr Usyk relinquished the belt to pursue a rematch with Fury, which will take place on December 21 in Saudi Arabia, seven months after the Ukrainian recorded a split decision win over ‘The Gypsy King’ to become the undisputed heavyweight champion.
Saudi Arabia boxing chief, Turki Alalshikh, who is bringing his first Riyadh Season card to the UK with Joshua vs Dubois, admits he is keen to deliver the long-awaited showdown between Joshua and Fury regardless of the results of their upcoming bouts.
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“If Usyk wins, still I want to see Fury vs Joshua if they accept,” he told talkSPORT.
“I will not try to do the third fight [between Usyk and Joshua] before having Fury vs Joshua.
“I think Joshua will win [against Dubois] but you don’t know.
“I picked Deontay Wilder against Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang, and he lost. This is boxing, especially the heavyweights.
“But I want to see Fury vs Joshua and the world wants to see Fury vs Joshua.”
