British heavyweight boxer, Tyson Fury, has vowed to knock out fellow Briton Anthony Joshua when they meet at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on December 11, following Daniel Dubois’ second-round stoppage of Fabio Wardley in London on Saturday.
Fury issued the warning in a video posted on Instagram after Dubois successfully defended his WBO heavyweight title by forcing Wardley’s corner to throw in the towel following a series of unanswered punches.
Reacting to the contest, the former world heavyweight champion praised both fighters and commended Dubois for his performance before turning his attention to his upcoming showdown with Joshua.
“That was a very exciting heavyweight fight there between Dubois and Wardley. Fair play to both guys. Well done to Daniel for retaining his belt with a good knockout. That’s how you get them out of there, big Dan,” Fury said.
He then predicted a similar outcome for Joshua when they face each other in December.
“That is exactly what is going to happen to AJ on December 11, sparked out. Get up.”
Dubois made an explosive start against Wardley, knocking him down with a powerful right hand less than 20 seconds into the opening round.
He continued his assault in the second round, leaving Wardley’s corner with little choice but to stop the fight.
The victory marked Dubois’ first successful defence of the title he reclaimed from Wardley in May.
Their previous encounter lasted 11 rounds, with Dubois recovering from two knockdowns before eventually losing the belt.
Reflecting on his performance, Dubois said he had prepared for a difficult contest and remained determined to secure victory regardless of the punishment he received.
“I was just prepared for a war. Whatever he did wasn’t going to affect me: his punches or anything. I wouldn’t feel them, and I was just going to go right through him,” he said.
“I was in the zone. I was so on it, and I wasn’t going to be denied. I refuse to lose.”
After the fight, Dubois asked his promoter, Frank Warren, about his next opponent.
Warren disclosed that plans were underway for a heavyweight unification contest next year, with IBF champion Filip Hrgovic and newly crowned WBC champion Agit Kabayel among the potential opponents.
“All those names are there to do a unification fight next year, and that’s what we’re working on,” Warren said.
Asked whether Dubois could face the winner of the Fury-Joshua showdown, Warren said the possibility remained open.
“Well, that remains to be seen, but what can you do with these fights? You can only keep making the best fights.”
Fury and Joshua are scheduled to meet on December 11 in a bout expected to stream live on Netflix, with the WBA world title at stake.
The 38-year-old Fury would become a three-time world champion if he defeats Joshua.
He is also seeking to avenge his two defeats to Oleksandr Usyk as he continues his bid to reclaim a heavyweight world title.
