Following his stunning stoppage time win over Croatian fighter Filip Hrgovic, Daniel Dubois has challenged two-time former unified world heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua, to a blockbuster heavyweight bout.
Dubois, 26, made a miserable start to the fourth fight in the 5 v 5 tournament in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Saturday night with Hrgovic firmly leading the first couple of rounds.
The British boxer, who is currently the IBF interim world champion, picked himself up after the early set back and began to grow into the fight, landing some punches that had blood pouring from the face of his Croatian opponent.
In the seventh round, Greenwich-born boxer saw his opportunity and took it with both hands and landed some punishing blows to Hrgovic who was stopped by referee John Latham as he walked into the neutral corner and called the doctor.
After a brief exam, the fight was called off and Dubois was crowned IBF interim world heavyweight title champion.
The win means Dubois has now set up a potential fight against Joshua later this year.
Speaking about the proposed bout, he said, “I hope the next opponent would be AJ so bring it on. This is my era and this is my time.”
“I have full respect for the guy, to come through that was a learning experience,” he added. “I’m glad I got the belt and on to the next. I was a bit cold to start off with, I had the corner advice, Frank Warren and my dad.
“I ate some shots but it was only to wake me up. The first few shots stung but they woke me up. I’m so proud of myself. It is all a learning experience. We are back on top. It has felt like a rollercoaster.”
According to The Mirror, a British publication, promoter Frank Warren said that fight could be at Wembley, London in September.
