Former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has recently relocated from his mother’s residence in north London to a new mansion, marking a significant personal milestone as he prepares for his upcoming bout against Daniel Dubois.
Joshua, who secured the 2012 Olympic championship and boasts substantial wealth, shared his decision to move out on BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs, emphasizing his dedication to ensuring his mother’s well-being before making the move.
“I didn’t want to leave my mom alone,” Joshua explained. “I wanted to make sure that her foundations were strong—the nest was strong—so that when I leave, mom’s good. For me, that’s freedom. Knowing no matter where I am in the world, mom’s happy and taken care of.”
The British-Nigerian fighter is scheduled to face fellow Brit Daniel Dubois on September 21 at Wembley Stadium in London for the IBF belt. This fight was arranged following current titleholder Oleksandr Usyk’s decision to vacate the world title, triggering a mandatory challenge for Dubois.
Dubois, recently crowned interim IBF champion after defeating Filip Hrgovic in June, expressed his determination to defeat Joshua and claim the championship title. “To fight the best and beat the best. Joshua has been the king for a long time. On the night, I need to become the king slayer,” Dubois stated confidently.
Joshua, 34, is on a strong winning streak, having secured victories in his last four fights, including three by stoppage. Despite previous losses to Usyk, Joshua remains focused and determined to succeed in his upcoming challenge against Dubois at Wembley, where he has previously showcased his skills.
“Congratulations to Daniel for winning his last fight (against Hrgovic); I went to watch it live,” Joshua acknowledged. “He came through, and we are here. I’ve been having Dubois on my mind for a while. He’ll be on my mind for the next 12 weeks until I’ve got my hand raised.”
The anticipation for the Joshua vs. Dubois bout continues to build as both fighters prepare rigorously for what promises to be a thrilling showdown in the world of heavyweight boxing.