Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois face off on September 21 at Wembley Stadium for the IBF Heavyweight World Title.
Dubois, 26, was recently elevated to champion when formerly undisputed Oleksandr Usyk – who beat both Brits on his way to winning all four belts – vacated the IBF title.
Martin Bakole has claims to have seriously hurt both men in past sparring camps, saying he stopped Dubois twice and gave Joshua ‘a bad’ beating.
He discussed the fight with TalkSPORT, and cast up old criticisms of Dubois’ heart and grit.
“Joshua is too good for Dubois and more experienced. He has a technique and a big heart. Daniel doesn’t have a big heart so as soon as he starts landing the big beautiful punches, he will give up.
He doesn’t have a big heart. I think Joshua for the experience but anything can happen. Daniel Dubois can land beautiful punches he surprised everyone against Hrgovic but I don’t think Joshua will give up and he will try his best. So for experience, for boxing style, for his brain, I think he is a little bit higher than Dubois.”
The fight represents an intriguing moment on the British heavyweight scene, with Dubois very much the future of the division on these shores but, having already lost in step ups against Joe Joyce and Usyk, requiring a win.
If Joshua can fend the younger man off, he will become a three-time heavyweight champion and keep alive hopes for another all-British showdown in the form of the long-awaited Tyson Fury fight, who rematches Usyk this December.
