Anthony Joshua vs. Daniel Dubois Grand Arrivals quotes
Below are a selection of quotes from the Anthony Joshua vs. Daniel Dubois Grand Arrivals at Leicester Square in London ahead of this Saturday’s blockbuster Riyadh Season Card at Wembley Stadium, shown live on DAZN.
Former two-time unified Heavyweight World Champion Anthony Joshua and current IBF Champion Daniel Dubois came face to face ahead of their blockbuster all-British world title showdown at Wembley Stadium this Saturday night.
Joshua vs. Dubois tops a blockbuster night of action, as Birmingham’s Tyler Denny (19-2-3, 1 KO) defends his EBU European Middleweight Title against Ilford’s Hamzah Sheeraz (20-0, 16 KOs).
Belfast’s IBF Super-Featherweight World Champion Anthony Cacace (22-1, 8 KOs) puts his IBO belt on the line against Leeds’ former two-time Featherweight World Champion Josh Warrington (31-3-1, 8 KOs).
Sunderland’s Josh Kelly (15-1-1, 8 KOs) takes on late replacement Ishmael Davis (13-0, 6 KOs) at Middleweight, while Croydon’s Joshua Buatsi (18-0, 13 KOs) and Scotland’s Willy Hutchinson (18-1, 13 KO) clash for the interim WBO Light-Heavyweight World Title, and Portsmouth Lightweight Mark Chamberlain (16-0, 12 KOs) puts his undefeated record on the line against Yorkshire’s Josh Padley (14-0, 4 KOs).
This is what Joshua, Dubois, the promoters and undercard fighters had to say:
Anthony Joshua:
“It’s really a blessing. It’s a big blessing. We’re the most important thing for people right now so they’re all here coming out to have a good time with us. It makes me feel important.
“Nah not at all because I’ll never forget, I started boxing late, so I used to, well I still do, look up to a lot of people. I can put myself on the other side of the fence. I’ve been on the other side of the fence. I haven’t always been on the red carpet. I always understand now I’m on the red carpet, how to treat people. I’m never going to turn my nose up at people. That’s just not my style.
“Massive. It doesn’t feel it at the minute because I’m still in like training camp. On Saturday I’m going to be standing behind a curtain and they’re going to say, ‘Anthony – ten seconds’, and I’m going to walk out into the stadium and I’m going to feel that energy. That’s when it gets real. At the minute we’re still hours away so I’m chilled out.
“Me mentality is, if I draw a line and put fear on one side, and confidence on the other, but I’m still going into the ring – what one am I going to choose? I’m confident. I believe in myself, and I think that’s the right mentality to have.
“100% I’ve never had a red carpet in my life. This is a blessing. They’re doing big things. It’s good that we’re doing joint ventures together now. I’ve been in Saudi, it’s good to be home. It’s not small, they’ve made it massive.
“I’m fighting a Queensberry Promotions fighter as well so it’s a new age for boxing – a golden era if you ask me. I hope that the next generation coming through can benefit from all of this as well. It’s not just about our generation.”
Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Sport Chairman:
“I do rank as AJ’s number one fan. He’s a friend, I know how hard he’s worked over the years. We’ve had our highs and our lows, and to see him make history as a three-time Heavyweight Champion would be an incredible moment for him and we’d be very proud.
“We’re also aware of the challenge. I think most people believe AJ is the favourite in the fight but Daniel is a very live underdog. He’s dangerous, he punches very hard. It will be interesting to see how he can deal with the occasion and the emotion on the night. But like Frank said, anything can happen in this fight and that’s the beauty of the Heavyweight division.
“That’s why 96,000 people will be crammed into Wembley Stadium for an incredible undercard. We’ve also got Josh Warrington against Cacace, another Queensberry vs. Matchroom line-up. Despite the 10-0 defeat, I kind of feel like AJ vs. Dubois carries 20 points, so we must win this one on Saturday.”
Daniel Dubois:
“I’m feeling good, confident. I’m just relaxed and soaking it all up. Soaking up the energy, it’s good.
“I’m just going to feed off of that energy and build it up. I can’t wait for it. It’s my time. I’m ready for it.
“You guys are going to see that this is my time. I’m the man. I need to go out there and legitimise it. I’m the champ.
“Yes, by any means necessary. Victory – that’s it.”
Frank Warren, Queensberry Promotions Chairman:
“I’m excited. I think we’ve got a fabulous show on Saturday night. It’s going to be an all-action fight. They’re both massive punchers, it won’t go the distance but it’s going to be really exciting while it lasts.
“This is huge. 96,000 people, that’s all you need to know. It’s the biggest attendance ever in Europe for a fight. That says it all. That’s how it should be as well. It’s a tremendous card, Wembley special Riyadh Season – it’s an unbelievable completive fight card with great great fights all the way through.
“Don’t blink, every fight is going to be an absolute barnstormer – every one of them. It’s fabulous, I mean look at it – everyone has come out for it. This is what it’s all about. It’s big-time boxing, it’s boxing at the highest level.
“Eddie and I couldn’t put a card together like this, because of the fact that it’s being sponsored and put together in association with Riyadh Season. It makes it work. It’s been an unbelievable year for boxing.”
Anthony Cacace:
“I’m feeling great. I’m feeling great. Look around, this is unbelievable. It’s just great to be a part of this Riyadh Season again. I’m just buzzing.
“Listen, favourite means absolutely nothing. I know Josh, he’s a great fighter and I know he’s going to bring the heat, but I just believe I’m the better fighter and it’s my time.
“Well to fight a big name like Josh is great. He’s had fights with the likes of Frampton, Selby and all these big fighters in the past. I would like to get my revenge for a couple of the Irish fighters. Saturday night I plan on doing that.
“Yeah no doubt, no doubt (that his fight will be fight of the night). I know the style that Josh brings, and I know what I bring. So yeah, I do believe that it’s going to be the best fight of the night. Tune in.”
Josh Warrington:
“It’s an honour to be part of such a spectacle, such a big show. Like you say, I’ve done many many big shows up in Leeds – arenas and stadiums, but this is another level.
“All of that doesn’t matter. What it comes down to is me and the man in front of me. I’ve got experience in being in big shows but it’s just about me and Anthony and that’s all I’m focused on at the minute.
“I think throughout my career the chips have always been stacked against me for whatever reason, but when my back is against the wall it seems to bring the best out in me.
“I went into the last fight, even though I came away on the wrong side of the fight, it was a fight that I was dominating. This one, people might be overlooking me a little bit but I’m fully focused and I know I’ve got enough to get the W.
“I can’t cry over spilt milk, but I probably should have done it a few years ago (moved up in weight). These extra few pounds, it might not sound like a lot to a lot of people but I feel absolutely fantastic. It’s the best I’ve felt in a long time.
“I think so (that the fight is going to steal the show). We’ve been respectful throughout the build-up. I’ve got a lot of respect for Anto, and his team have been very good. We’re going to prove that you don’t need to trash talk or talk absolute bollocks. It’s all about letting the fists do the talking. I think we’re both going to deliver on Saturday night.”
Josh Kelly:
“I’m feeling blessed, grateful. Seeing the turnout, the UK do it properly man. I can’t wait to perform in front of these fans.
“I just switched off to be honest. As soon as the opponent thing happened, I just switched off. I have my phone to my team, switched off social media and locked in. Obviously I’m still on the card so I’m very grateful. I’m grateful for the guy taking the fight as well, so it’s all good.
“He’s a solid guy. He looks solid. I think he’s going to bring the same sort of thing that Liam was. Liam likes to come, make it rough and put pressure on. I think Ishmael is going to try the same thing, so I’m fully prepared for the night and I can’t wait. It’s showtime.”
Ishmael Davies:
“I’m feeling good man, I’m feeling ready. I belong here and I’m going to show it on Saturday. I’m always ready, and ‘BP’ don’t get tired. Listen, six days’ notice but I believe in myself, so let’s get it on.
“This is a massive opportunity for me. It’ll change not only my life but my kids’ lives, so I won’t be taking it lightly.
“Nah this is massive man. I’m grateful. This is amazing isn’t it. But listen, it’s all about the fight. This is nice, but it’s about the fight, getting the fight done and getting the win. Saturday night it’s on.”