Daniel Dubois has Anthony Joshua in his sights after becoming interim IBF champion with eighth-round stoppage of Filip Hrgovic; Dubois and Joshua could face off for full IBF title if Oleksandr Usyk forced to vacate strap ahead of rematch with Tyson Fury in Riyadh on December 21.
Dubois stopped Filip Hrgovic in the eighth round in Saudi Arabia on Saturday night with his Croatian opponent suffering from cuts above both eyes.
The victory earned Dubois the interim IBF belt and the 26-year-old could be upgraded to full world champion if Oleksandr Usyk is forced to vacate the strap after his rematch with Tyson Fury was confirmed for December 21.
Dubois, who could also battle Joshua for the vacant title, said of that possible clash: “That’s what I’ve been hearing [that Joshua could be next], so let’s see.
“[Being world champion] is a dream. From challenging for the world title to getting the chance to win the damn thing outright, that’s what I want.
“I’ll demolish Joshua. I’ll get even better from here.”
Joshua: I have to pick off rivals one by one
Joshua said of facing Dubois or Zhilei Zhang, who knocked out Deontay Wilder in the fifth round this weekend: “I’ve got to pick them off one by one.
“It’s not going to be easy, but that’s my mentality. So come one, come all…
“He [Dubois] has been in tougher fights, so he becomes hardened. He has worked his way up the ladder, we’ll see what happens in the near future.
“Wembley, O2, York Hall – wherever they put me, I’m happy to fight. Any venue, I’ll turn up and do my job.
Reflecting on Wilder’s defeat and future in the sport, Joshua added: “Come again if you want, but he’s got his family and there’s a life outside of boxing for him.
“If he wants to go again, give it another crack. But sooner or later, Father Time will catch up with you, with everyone.”
