Anthony Joshua vs Daniel Dubois LIVE: AJ is KNOCKED DOWN in round one and has to be saved by the bell… round-by-round updates and our expert JEFF POWELL’S scorecard
Anthony Joshua only had a minute to recover and he is on the ropes, he is just trying to survive.
Dubois catches Joshua again and his legs are all over the place.
One more big punch and this could be over before it’s really got going.
JOSHUA DOWN!
Daniel Dubois is on the front foot early.
He releases a brilliant right hand that catches Anthony Joshua, he certainly felt that one.
AND OH MY WORD, DUBOIS HAS PUT DOWN JOSHUA!
A superb right hand catches him solidly on the chin and Joshua’s legs just fold.
He’s then saved by the bell!
Away we go!
The time for talking is now over…
The white gloves of Anthony Joshua and black gloves of Daniel Dubois touch and the bell goes.
Which way will this one go?
Let’s get ready to rumbleeeee!
Nothing will ever beat hearing Michael Buffer utter those five magic words and he has just done it in style at Wembley.
The stadium cheers before falling silent as he introduces the two fighters to the 96,000 fans inside the stadium.
Shivers, that’s what I just experienced.
Time for the national anthem… of Saudi Arabia
Erm… it’s time for the national anthem but not the one we were expecting.
Michael Buffer announces that they will play the anthem of Saudia Arabia in thanks to the Riyadh Season Card.
Pretty bizarre, if you ask me.
It is then booed by the Wembley fans as the singer closes out the anthem before cheers then break out as ‘God Save the King’ begins.
Joshua strolls in…
Anthony Joshua has such a cool aura..
No big show from the two-time World Champion, he is just simply strolling to the ring. He is extremely calm.
He has made this walk many times before…
OK, it turns out he is not going to the ring, he is now standing between his initials that are on fire with music from ‘Rocky 4’ in the background.
This really is one hell of a show.
Dubois takes to the ring
I think this may be one of the longest ring walks I have ever seen.
Daniel Dubois is taking it all in, he looks as focused as ever. Tonight is the biggest night of his life.
After many track changes, he finally makes his way to the ring with that look in his eye that says ‘I mean business’.
I’m even more excited now.
Here comes Dubois
The waiting is finally over!
Michael Buffer addresses Wembley after what felt like 10 minutes of ‘Sweet Caroline’ on loop.
And here comes Daniel Dubois… you can feel the tension in the stadium.
With flames being thrown and the track of ‘In Da Club’ by 50 Cent starting as he comes out, it feels like a bit of a different vibe to that of Neil Diamond.
Groves: ‘Nothing else like a ring walk’
George Groves, former world champion, Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live:
When you’re getting ready for your ring walk you’re doing your mental preparations. There’s nothing else like it. You come out and you want to absorb the crowd. You want to absorb the endless faces and iPhone cameras. You’ve got a fight to concentrate on as well.
For Anthony Joshua, it’s not his first rodeo. He’s headlined big stadiums. For Dubois, he’s got some big time experience now. He went to Poland and he fought Oleksandr Usyk in front of 60,000 Usyk fans. It’s going to be a big night for Daniel Dubois. Going in as the champion, he’s going to have to hold his nerve and perform.
So good, so good…
Now we are really talking.
I love Oasis’ music, but nothing can beat a bit of Neil Diamond and the choir of Wembley are showing that right now.
‘Sweet Caroline’ is being played over the speakers and 96,000 supporters have joined in unison to sing it together.
This song never fails to bring people together. You just have to love it.
I’m now singing it in my chair and bobbing along…
Tale of the Tape
Height – 6 ft 6 in (198cm)Â
Height –Â 6 ft 5 in (196cm)
Nearly show time
There is now just one show left, and it’s the big one.
Liam Gallagher has finished his set with tambourine in hand, ending on ‘Cigarettes and Alcohol’.
I must say, I found that 15-minute show very enjoyable, did you?
But now it’s over and the final- build-up for what we have all come to see is now here, the ring walks are not far away.
Gallagher takes his own stage
It’s worth mentioning, Liam Gallagher is actually not even in the ring.
he has been given his own stage. I guess he is not in the mood for a fight tonight, I guess that’s on Elton John on Saturdays.
Anyway, we are now into his final song, the fight is closing in.
Let the show begin
OK, here we go at last…
Bruce Buffer has introduced Liam Gallagher and he is now into his first song Rock ‘n’ Roll Star. I am feeling very nostalgic all of a sudden.
Anybody who has tickets to see Oasis on their reunion tour next year, I am very jealous right now.
He certainly hasn’t lost his voice based on the early few verses.
Gallagher is in the house
Well, not quite the main man. I think two fighters may have a problem with me saying that.
Liam Gallagher is now at Wembley and I believe he is going straight to the ring to perform.
Sit back, relax, and enjoy! It’s going to be electric…
Gallagher songs revealed
OK, so it appears I may have made a mistake.
That can happen in this industry, and I’m sure many of you would have realised that when I posted about Liam Gallagher around 10 minutes ago.
So, it turns out that Gallagher has already revealed his song and none of them are the ones that I predicted.
So, what will he sing? Well, I can tell you here:
Rock ‘n’ Roll Star
Supersonic
Cigarettes and Alcohol
Joshua getting ready
Don’t get me wrong, I am excited for the pre-fight show, but we know what we are all here for.
That’s right, Luke Power vs Harry Bamforth on this blog, that’s what you all want to see, right?
The fight of the century, in my opinion.
But of course, Anthony Joshua facing Daniel Dubois is a close second, so we will focus on that for a bit.
Sky Sports have just shown Anthony Joshua getting his hands wrapped and he is looking steely-eyed right now.
Joshua certainly means business tonight.
Speaking of songs…
Before the big fight, we have one more star who will take to the ring, or stage in this case.
Liam Gallagher will sadly not be singing my ring walk song, but I think he will get plenty of punters on their feet with what he will belt out.
It is believed that Gallagher will sing three Oasis songs after the news that he will reunite with his brother Noel next year in a reunion tour.
I’m really interested to see which songs he will choose though.
A little bit of ‘Champagne Supernova’? Maybe some ‘She’s Electric’? Or personally my favourite ‘Live Forever’?
We will find out soon, I guess.
London’s Calling
I think we now know what big boxing fight could come up next, a potential Mail match-up. I see that post as a challenge, Luke.
But to answer your question, my ring walk song would be ‘London’s Calling’ by the Clash. In Wembley, I just know that song would pop off.
Anyway, I am absolutely buzzing to be covering this fight, these nights are always magical and I have no doubt that today would be the same.
We still have a huge couple of hours ahead of us…
Joshua vs Dubois looms
Now it’s time to introduce a man who would stand absolutely no chance in a boxing ring. Even less of a chance than me, and that’s saying something.
To take you through the drama of tonight’s monumental fight, I open the floor to Harry Bamforth. I wonder what his ring walk music would be.
It’s been a pleasure. Enjoy the fight everyone. My non-existent money is on Joshua, for what it’s worth.
Tyson Fury’s hilarious interview
Tyson Fury has just spouted his view over the goal of a boxer on a big fight night. In his words, it’s to ‘get paid, get laid, and get out of there’ – a chronology which raises a few questions.
He told Sky Sports: ‘It’s fantastic to be here as a fan watching boxing live. It’s an exciting night.
‘You’ve just got to get your job done. Get paid, get laid, and get out of there.
‘I think the bookies are favouring Anthony Joshua but it’s not a foregone conclusion. It’s heavyweight boxing. They’re both big, big, big men and one punch from one can end the other. I’m glad it’s them in there and not me.’
Anthony Joshua arrives
And just like that, Joshua has turned up.
Lennox Lewis supports his decision, telling Sky Sports: ‘He probably doesn’t want to be in the dressing room for two long. He wants to be totally focused.’
Lewis explains that all the showmanship and outside influences in the dressing room can get in the way of a fighter staying focused.
Anthony Joshua is STILL not at Wembley
Anthony Joshua is still warming up in his hotel room, according to Sky Sports, who have cameras waiting for him outside.
Dubois arrived at Wembley hours ago, but Joshua has opted to get ready in the sanctuary of his room. He’s certainly leaving it late. He’s due for his ring walk at around 10pm.
Denny pictured on the floor
A big shame for Tyler Denny as he didn’t put up much of a defence. He looked rocked ever since he lost his way in the early stages. Sheeraz looked more explosive and quicker for the entire duration of this short fight.
Sheeraz stops Denny in the second round to clinch European middleweight crown
Hamzah Sheeraz is the new European middleweight champion Denny in the second round.
Denny was on unsteady legs ever since going down after 13 seconds and he was flored again from Sheeraz, who now has 10 stoppage wins inside two rounds.
Wow. He’s done it before we even have pictures of the first knockdown.
Denny hits the deck 13 seconds!
A flying start from Hamzah Sheeraz as he forced a count against Tyler Denny after 13 seconds. A baptism of fire.
British fighter Denny, 33, is aiming to defend his European middleweight title again. Sheeraz showed his power with a left hook. Denny must be fuming with himself.
Can Anthony Joshua become one of the all-time greats?
He has his blemishes. Blots on his record. His detractors and endless claims he has never beaten somebody truly elite.
But Joshua is on the verge of becoming a champion once again. One night away. One man in the opposite corner away.
Mail Sport’s distinguished boxing writer Jeff Powell has seen it all over the years. And in his view, Joshua can join the pantheon of greats with a win.
Buatsi beats Hutchinson via split decision to claim interim WBO light heavyweight title
I’m not sure how Hutchinson even got one of the judges on his side there.
Buatsi looked on top for most of the fight and scored a couple of knockdowns while his opponent was docked a point. His flurry of body shots were unstoppable.
Via split decision (112-113, 117-108, 115-110), Buatsi remains unbeaten and becomes the new WBO light heavyweight world champion.
Hamzah Sheerez vs Tyler Denny up next.
When are Joshua and Dubois out?
A quick reminder that we’re expecting to see Joshua and Dubois emerge for their ring walks at around 10pm.
That’s right, you don’t have to stay up all night like when the fights are in Saudi Arabia.
Hutchinson hits the canvas AGAIN
Round nine. Those body shots are punishing from Buatsi. Hutchinson’s dream of taking the vacant interim WBO light heavyweight title looks like it’s unravelling. But he carries on. He’s a fighter.
Watch Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren PAINT each other
It’s been a tough week of work and you’re looking for a way to unwind.
Watching the football doesn’t do it for you. Meeting your friends at the pub doesn’t hit the spot. You start to panic. How can you salvage the week?
The only thing that can save you now is the content you least expected – Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren painting each other.
Mail Sport is fast becoming the home of serious boxing coverage, but there’s still room for the bizarre.
Oh, and they do have a big old debate as well.
Buatsi FLOORS Hutchinson
SIx rounds in and Hutchinson was decked after a series of sustained pressure from Buatsi. A body blow was the one that did it as Hutchinson clung on against the ropes.
Buatsi is in swaggering form now and it’s a storm for Hutchinson to weather. He’s been ground down by those blows to the torso.
He’s also just lost a point in the seventh for going in for using his head.
How Anthony Joshua bounced back
It’s been quite the journey for Anthony Joshua, hasn’t it?
He looked down and out when he sustained that shock defeat to Andy Ruiz Jr and that double blow against Oleksandr Usyk.
Since then he has posted four victories and now he’s got 96,000 people out to wacth him challenge Dubois.
Sam Brookes brings you the story of his rebound from the pits.
Daniel Dubois’ exclusive interview with Mail Sport
Mail Sport were invited along to watch Daniel Dubois train at the ‘Farm Gym’.
He talks Oleksandr Usyk, doing press-ups for three hours and his dad’s spicy Caribbean cooking. Dubois also sends a warning to Joshua ahead of Wembley after his ‘best camp ever’.
You can watch Charlotte Daly’s interview here and if you like what you see, why not subscribe to Mail Sport Boxing on YouTube for more?
OPINION: Hutchinson wins ring walk
No offence to Buatsi, but I think Hutchinson has got the upper hand from his ring walk.
It’s not often you hear a boxer walk out to medieval-themed music, but that’s exactly what Hutchinson just did. The Scot just waltzed out to the Braveheart tune.
Guess we’ll see how effective it was for pumping him up.
Anthony Cacace beats Josh Warrington by unanimous decision
A comfortable victory for reigning IBF and IBO super featherweight champion Cacace over Warrington.
After 12 gruelling rounds, he won 118-110, 117-111, 117-111.No trouble for him at the age of 35. Lennox Lewis has called him a ‘warrior’ just then – there aren’t many names in boxing higher than his.
Joshua Buatsi and Willy Hutchinson are up next with the interim WBO light heavyweight title on the line.
Tyson Fury’s prediction for Joshua vs Dubois
No wishy-washy cop out from Tyson Fury here – he has thrown his weight behind one of the fighters tonight.
You can check out who in the article below.
Tyson Fury amused by crowd response
There were big cheers in Wembley when Tyson Fury’s mug was shown on the screen moments ago.
But that cascade of cheering had followed a chorus of boos, for the crowd were not so keen on a certain Tommy Fury.
Tyson couldn’t help but find it funny.
Liam Gallagher’s hilarious response when asked about his performance
It wouldn’t be a boxing event nowadays without the celebrity ornamentation and one chap stealing the headlines this time around is Liam Gallagher.
The singer will be performing three Oasis hits tonight in Rock ‘n’ Roll Star, Supersonic, and Cigarettes and Alcohol – the latter not meant to be a recommendation for a pre-fight diet.
And when quizzed about his mini-show, the singer had an amusing response.
P.S.: Derek Chisora, fresh from beating Joe Joyce, is in the mood – but who will be looking back in anger tonight?
Eddie Hearn swallows pride to wear Arsenal shirt
Fair play to Eddie Hearn.
He made a bet with Roman Kemp on the north London derby and lost, as Arsenal came away victorious against Spurs, so here’s the promoter sticking to his word kitted out in a Gunners shirt tonight.
As we speak – Cacace and Warrington trading blows
There are plenty of undercard acts tonight looking to ake their mark in front of a massive audience.
Anthony Cacace and Josh Warrington are currently slugging it out in the World Super Featherweight division.
The former’s IBO belt is on the line tonight, but his IBF title is not.
A peek at the Wembley ring walk
This is what Anthony Joshua will see tonight when he walks out in front of the crowd tonight.
Mail Sport’s Charlotte Daly is bringing us a glut of behind-the-scenes content from Wembley and has spoken with all the major figures involved – including, of course, Joshua and Dubois.
Make sure to follow us across our platforms for full immersion in one of the biggest boxing nights of the year.
Hello and welcome
Good evening and welcome to Mail Sport’s live coverage of a colossal night at Wembley.
That’s right – we’ll be bringing you all the build-up, action, and reaction to Anthony Joshua’s fight with Daniel Dubois in front of a record 96,000 fans.
On the line? Dubois’ IBF heavyweight world title, which he inherited from Oleksandr Usyk in June after the Ukrainian vacated it.
Expect to see them walk out at around 10pm.
Key Updates
Tale of the Tape
Anthony Joshua arrives
Sheeraz stops Denny in the second round to clinch European middleweight crown
Buatsi beats Hutchinson via split decision to claim interim WBO light heavyweight title
How Anthony Joshua bounced back
Daniel Dubois’ exclusive interview with Mail Sport
Anthony Cacace beats Josh Warrington by unanimous decision
Tyson Fury’s prediction for Joshua vs Dubois
Hello and welcome
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Anthony Joshua vs Daniel Dubois LIVE: AJ is KNOCKED DOWN in round one and has to be saved by the bell… round-by-round updates and our expert JEFF POWELL’S scorecard