Anthony Joshua’s animosity towards Daniel Dubois started with a pub brawl.
The clean-cut, millionaire golden boy – who used to drink Mad Dog 2020 alcopops on his way to nightclubs as an unknown teenager – still keeps in touch with his community by visiting local haunts.
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These days, the 34-year-old reformed rogue bricklayer only fights in the ring and conducts himself as a true ambassador for British sport.
But a week before the press conference for Saturday night’s IBF world title fight on June 26, a local bigot tried to take liberties and the old ‘Femi’ from the Meriden Estate, who once struck fear into north London, was forced to make a comeback, with Dubois now facing him at full strength.
We were stunned when during their first media appearance, Joshua threatened to “slam this chair” in Dubois’ face because he felt the 27-year-old had disrespected him.
But it turned out that this unusual threat of violence was a premeditated move on the part of the police. chess The fan, Drunkard brought the animal out after a row down.
In his funniest and most open conversation yet with the British boxing media, the superstar reminded us he’s still just the same guy next The door – that can actually swing a little.
Smiling widely, he said: “I was in the pub last week. Obviously I don’t hang around much anymore, there’s a new generation coming through.
“A young kid – I’m 35, he was probably in his 30s too – thought he could say something.
“His friend tried to show him something, and he said: ‘I don’t care that AJ is here.’ I said: ‘What?! Don’t ever think you can talk like that.’
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AJ vs Dubois: Preparing for the big fight
Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois will face off at Wembley this Saturday.
Ahead of the all-British heavyweight clash, here are all the big stories and things to know…
“You can’t allow someone to think they can talk to you a certain way.
“Because there are other people in the pub who are seeing this person talking to me like that.
“F*** BoxingYou know who I am and you know what I am, so don’t ever think you can disrespect me – because that won’t end well for you.
“So, we drew a line at it. Then, a week later, DuBois tried to be blunt!
“So, I am still of that mindset where you don’t give anyone a chance to think they can back down even an inch.
“So, ‘Dan, I’m going to stop you right there, I’m going to smash this chair in your face, and I’m going to shove this stick down your throat!’
“You have to let somebody know that you’re not messing around, and hopefully that gets across to everybody else.
“I don’t want any problems, but I’m in an industry where I’m struggling.
Liam Gallagher reveals three-song Anthony Joshua vs Daniel Dubois setlist while Oasis legend issues 20-word statement“I’m not in GolfI’m not playing TennisI’m in a game with men full of testosterone – gladiators who will take any opportunity to underestimate you and test your strength.
“This was all planned, it all started last week. It wasn’t some sporadic incident.
“I just realized: You can’t let anybody rule you.”
When SunSport asked if the London 2012 icon had quit to prevent the incident from escalating to a front page controversy, he made us laugh and said: “Me? Me, quit? No way!
“I got a call saying ‘AJ, I’ve got a call from The Sun about this incident in the pub.'”
Joshua spent time on remand at Reading prison That was before he changed his life aged 18 by moving to the Finchley ABC gym.
Since then, he hasn’t even raised his voice outside the ring, let alone raised his fist.
Oleksandr Usyk’s emotional breakdown after his second loss was a vulnerable human being opening up, not an outburst.
But behind the Hollywood smile and squeaky-clean reputation lies a fearless fighter whose hands still bear the heavy scars of hard work done not on canvas, but on stone.
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Anthony Joshua vs Daniel Dubois: Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the huge world title fight at Wembley
“I am a Good “I’m one person,” he smiled. “But honestly, I would change too. So, you decide which side of the fence you want to sit on.
“Most people are OK with me, but I will definitely go to extremes that I don’t think they’re ready for.
“It’s up to them how they want to do it.”
Earlier in the week of the fight, when the ultra-violent feng shui was removed, Joshua had twice given credit to the defeated Dubois.
Big Josh compares his rival to Frank Brunowhose tearful 1995 Wembley world title victory – at the fourth attempt – made him a national treasure.
But, when asked about his counterpart from that star-studded heavyweight golden age, he revealed himself to be a far more dangerous and dominant force, having come within seconds of destroying him on his own famous Wembley night in 2017.
“If that’s Frank Bruno,” he said, pausing. “I’m Wladimir Klitschko: suffered a few setbacks, reset, came back stronger, got better over time, got a new trainer, went through different stages in my career – a learning process – and am now at university.
“That’s what they say about Emmanuel Steward: it was like going to university. So yes, I feel like Wladimir Klitschko.”
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It looks like Dubois is in serious need of a back-up.
But new coach Don Charles — who had guided the psychologically fragile player to remarkable comebacks in recent wins over Jarrell Miller and Filip Hrgovic — was missing all week.
Pug is at war with Stan, the gym trainer, Dubois’ overbearing father – and now the British Boxing Board of Control’s official licensed manager.
Hall-of-Famer promoter Frank Warren is working hard to make sure his 6ft 5in, 17th knockout machine – with the timid demeanour of a humble boy – gets the proper support for the biggest fight of his life.
But AJ is again praising him and says his old partner won’t bow to the expectations of 96,000 fans and one stubborn parent.
“I think he’s going to be fine,” he said. “Honestly, he’s going to be fine. Unfortunately, you have no other choice but to deal with the situation.
Read more at The Scottish Sun
“You’ve come this far, he’s moved out of Tottenham, he’s moved in polandHe will walk out at Wembley.
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