It's not pedantic to ask of you what you ask of us... he's never uttered the words 'I knocked him out'. You asked us to base this on what he said, not what he didn't say. Your criteria, not mine. That said, do I think it's possible he did KO him? Hell, yeah, the man has shaky whiskers. But let's be real, if AJ had taken five rounds to deal with Gorman, no one would claim he was back. So, I'm gonna wait until Dubois starts mixing with - and beating - the likes of Parker and Whyte before getting too excited...
You're entitled and within reason to hold reservations about his talent level. This is not a new thing. No one took my words seriously when I proclaimed him to be one of the future top talents of the HW division. I myself have seen enough to know what type of fighters DDD would deal with. And in a shoot out between him and Joshua, I believe there is only one winner. DDD is more aggressive, more ruthless, a genuine stone cold killer that doesn't need a step by step instruction manual on what to do in the ring. Most importantly he is stronger mentally and doesn't panic if his opponent hits back or presents a new strategy. Instead he adapts, something Joshua hasn't had to do since he's been over matched against short and old opponents for most of his career until he met a prime Ruiz Jr with a referee that didn't needlessly interfere with the action. Take nothing away from Joshua, he's a very good elite level fighter, but boxing wise he is mediocre. What lets him down which I've stated for a long time is his in ring IQ, static predictable movement and stamina, where by round 4 or 5, he needs to take rounds off for a breather. You'll notice after he does a combination he will be tanked, whereas DDD will just keep delivering more and more combinations relentlessly. DDD would give him no rest bite to regain his composure, he would be all over Joshua as he undoubtedly was during sparring but this time with 10 ounce gloves and no headgear to provide cushion for his head and chin.
So he hasn't lost twice as you alluded to then? Thanks for clearing that up and admitting your mistake!
It wasn't a mistake. He's due to lose twice against Ruiz Jr and if he were to fight DDD it would be his 3rd defeat. Understand now?
We'll see re: Dubois. Boxing, especially HW boxing, is littered with fighters who look great right up until they hit their talent ceiling. I guess this is the case with HWs because power papers over the cracks. He moved well against Gorman and totally dominated where I thought the bout would be competitive. However, his punching was not very precise, especially when both traded at the same time. In the fighter prior, he showed a similar lack of precision. But that can be evolved. Agree about Joshua and his stamina and ring IQ - and of course, his chin - but something tells me Dubois' chin might also be suspect - nothing materially backs that up, it's just a hunch. Until he's in with a big puncher, he can't tick that box. But yeah, after Saturday I rate him higher...
Good post which I agree especially the highlighted bit which I also noticed, however at 21 years of age, with the correct coaching he has all the time in the world to know when to carefully select his punches if he chooses to. The most important thing that he needs to ensure, is that he doesn't get into the habit of leaving his chin in their air after throwing combinations. Joshua still has a habit of swinging and not being precise. In the takam fight he was swinging but not landing clean and in the ruiz fight before the countered left hook he was trading without any precision because he believed he had Ruiz hurt. I guess this comes with the territory of being a ko artist who has to gamble to get the knockout. All the best power punches do it. Maybe the kltischko brothers are the exception who have phenomenal ko percentages yet are cautious and precise in their offence.
Dubois best prospect with only 12 profites another 3 fights and he’s ready for a one of the belts !!!
Nobody’s stops Kevin Johnson ( only aj ) not even vitali ——- Kevin Johnson this eras jimmy young ( but not as good as young ) he only had like 9 profites when he fought Kevin Johnson !!! Lennox Lewis in his 12 profites couldn’t stop an ancient ossie occasion !!! Does that make him not great ?
At the moment Joshua is still better because of the experience but in a year or two Dubois will be able to beat Joshua if that fight happens which would be great for boxing in the UK and in the world...
