Daniel Dubois’ trainer, Don Charles, believes Anthony Joshua has lost a major weapon, his jab, ahead of his fight against Tyson Fury.
The 37-year-old has become apprehensive and lost his physicality since his shock defeat to Andy Ruiz Jr in 2019, according to Charles, who has guided Dubois to a two-time heavyweight championship.
He spoke to Tony Bellew on Fight Your Corner and is backing Fury to win.
“I’ve always seen that Fury would be the victor of that fight,” Charles said. “I just can’t see previously, had it happened six years ago, how Joshua would negate his way into punching range to be effective on Tyson Fury with that style. Yes, he could use his physicality, but they’ve trained that out of Joshua.
“Since the Ruiz fight he’s become very apprehensive in his approach. The old Joshua had a ramrod jab, and he could compare his jab to that of Daniel Dubois’ jab previously. They’ve trained that in where he just probes with it. Before, it was a weapon. His jab is no longer a weapon.”
The two Britons will end their decade-long feud on December 11 at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.
Both are in the twilight of their careers, yet demand has been huge. More than 500,000 fans queued for tickets, but only 80,000 went on sale. The ring walk is set for 1am to suit American audiences.
Fury is expected to start as the favourite, but Joshua insists he will relish the occasion.
The Olympic champion spoke at the launch of Under Armour’s HeatGear and ColdGear baselayers, designed for athletes who embrace pressure.
“Pressure comes with every part of this sport. Every training session, every fight, every expectation. I’ve learned that you shouldn’t run from it. You have to embrace it, and when you’ve put the work in, pressure becomes something that drives you forward,” he said.