Daniel Dubois Backs Tyson Fury to Beat Anthony Joshua in Heavyweight Blockbuster

By Yemi Odulana · Published October 16, 2026

British heavyweight boxer Daniel Dubois has tipped Tyson Fury to defeat Anthony Joshua in their highly anticipated showdown scheduled for December 11, 2026, in Cardiff, adding his voice to the growing debate surrounding one of boxing's most eagerly awaited contests.

Dubois, who knocked out Joshua in September 2024, made his prediction ahead of his own rematch against Fabio Wardley, scheduled for October 17. Speaking to DAZN News, the reigning World Boxing Organisation (WBO) heavyweight champion acknowledged the difficulty of choosing between the two former world champions but ultimately favoured Fury.

“I’ll pick Fury, but it’s hard to even do that,” Dubois said (Punch Newspapers)

The 28-year-old also questioned the sporting significance of the lucrative encounter, describing it as a business venture involving two experienced fighters. Nevertheless, he acknowledged the magnitude of the occasion and wished both men well.

“Two veterans are going to have a big-money fight. To me, it’s not even a proper fight. It’s just business. Good luck to them and may the best man win,” he said.

Dubois' prediction adds another dimension to the build-up to the December encounter, which has attracted international attention because of the fighters' reputations, their contrasting styles and the years of anticipation surrounding a potential meeting. Fury and Joshua are scheduled to meet on December 11 at Cardiff's Principality Stadium. (Sky Sports)

Dubois explains why he favours Fury

Dubois' prediction comes as Fury prepares for a contest that has been discussed for almost a decade. The former heavyweight champion has repeatedly expressed his desire to face Joshua, and confirmation of the December date has finally given supporters a firm occasion to anticipate.

Fury brings considerable experience into the contest, having faced leading heavyweights, including Wladimir Klitschko, Deontay Wilder and Oleksandr Usyk. His movement, ability to change distance and experience in long championship fights could be important factors against Joshua.

Joshua, meanwhile, has built his reputation around explosive punching power, athleticism and a strong amateur background. The two-time world heavyweight champion has won major titles and competed against some of the division's leading names.

However, both men have also experienced significant setbacks. Fury lost to Usyk in their heavyweight championship encounters, while Joshua suffered a knockout defeat against Dubois in 2024.

Dubois' assessment is particularly noteworthy because he has faced Joshua in the ring and has also sparred with Fury. His prediction therefore comes from a boxer familiar with the demands of heavyweight competition, although it remains an opinion rather than a guarantee of the outcome.

Joshua's defeat to Dubois adds intrigue

One reason the prediction has attracted attention is Dubois' own history with Joshua.

The pair met at Wembley Stadium in September 2024, when Dubois stopped Joshua in the fifth round to retain his International Boxing Federation heavyweight title.

Joshua entered that contest seeking to establish himself again among the division's leading fighters, but Dubois' aggressive approach and punching power proved decisive.

The defeat raised questions about Joshua's ability to withstand pressure from powerful opponents, although it would be premature to conclude that the same outcome must follow against Fury.

Joshua has continued pursuing opportunities to rebuild his standing in the heavyweight division. His preparation for Fury includes working with trainer Ben Davison, who previously worked with Fury during an earlier stage of the latter's career.

At their September press conference, the two fighters exchanged verbal jabs while acknowledging the importance of the contest. Fury predicted victory, while Joshua expressed confidence in his preparation and ability to exploit openings.

The Guardian's coverage of their first press conference explored the contrasting approaches of the two men as they prepared for their December meeting.

Fury versus Joshua: What could decide the fight?

The contest presents an intriguing tactical challenge because both fighters possess the power to end a heavyweight bout with a single clean punch.

Fury could seek to use his reach, movement and experience to control distance, disrupt Joshua's rhythm and avoid prolonged exchanges in dangerous positions. His ability to vary his approach has been a defining feature of his career.

Joshua, on the other hand, may look to use his athleticism, straight punches and combinations to put Fury under sustained pressure. If he can establish an effective attack early, he could force Fury to adjust his strategy.

Conditioning will also be important. Heavyweight contests can change dramatically as fatigue sets in, particularly when fighters are forced to defend against repeated attacks or maintain movement over several rounds.

The psychological element is another factor. Both men have endured difficult defeats, and their ability to remain composed under pressure could influence how they respond to setbacks during the contest.

Nevertheless, neither fighter's past performances alone can determine the result. Preparation, tactics, timing and the ability to execute a game plan on the night will all matter.

Dubois focused on Fabio Wardley before future blockbuster

Despite offering his prediction, Dubois has insisted that his immediate priority is his own contest against Fabio Wardley.

The two heavyweights are scheduled to meet again on October 17, following their dramatic first encounter earlier in 2026. Dubois recovered from two knockdowns before stopping Wardley and claiming the WBO heavyweight title.

The rematch offers Wardley an opportunity to reclaim the championship, while Dubois must demonstrate that his victory was not a one-off performance.

Dubois has also expressed interest in facing the winner of Fury versus Joshua, provided he comes through his own challenges successfully. A future contest against either man would offer significant commercial appeal and potentially important consequences for the heavyweight title picture.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Dubois indicated that he would welcome the opportunity to face either fighter. He also acknowledged that he must first concentrate on Wardley rather than look too far ahead. Read Sky Sports' report on Dubois' future ambitions.

Conclusion

Daniel Dubois' decision to back Tyson Fury over Anthony Joshua has added fresh discussion to the build-up to their December 11 showdown in Cardiff.

His prediction reflects his assessment of two experienced heavyweights whose careers have included championship victories, major defeats and prolonged periods in the public spotlight.

However, Dubois has acknowledged that the contest is difficult to call. Fury's experience and boxing versatility could prove important, while Joshua's power and ability to execute an effective game plan give him a route to victory.

For fans, the ultimate question will be whether Fury can justify Dubois' confidence or whether Joshua can overcome the doubts raised by his previous defeat to the WBO champion.

With the fight approaching, the debate is likely to intensify. The definitive answer, however, will come only when the two men enter the ring.