In the recent bout that set a record crowd of 96,000 at Wembley Arena, Wembley, UK, Saturday, former heavyweight champion and Olympic gold medalist ‘AJ’ Anthony Joshua, 28-4), was upset by interim IBF champion Daniel ‘Dynamite’ Dubois, 22-2, by KO in 5 rounds.
In his pre-fight press conference, Joshua stood up and challenged Dubois, causing a ruckus. Dubois stood on the ground when the press conference was stopped. Little did Joshua know that days later, because of his arrogance, he would be defeated by Dubois.
Speaking of heavyweight fights in the past in September of 1985, heavyweight champion Larry ‘The Easton Assassin’ Holmes was 48-0, and nearly equaled Rocky Marciano’s record of 49-0 with one win over heavyweight champion Michael ‘Jinx’ Spinks. , 27-0, over 15 rounds.
It was Ring Magazine’s 1985 Upset of the Year. Afterwards, the arrogant Holmes said, “Marciano couldn’t wear my jockstrap!” It’s up to Spinks to beat him!
In March 1971, the former heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali, 31-0, after returning from 3 years of forced inactivity due to the New York Commission that took his license and when he later reinstated to a couple of victories Ali signed to regain his title in front of another Olympian. Gold medalist who then held the heavyweight title in “Smokin” Joe Frazier, 26-0, in Madison Square Garden, New York.
Going into the fifth and final round, Ali was trailing by rounds 8-6, 9-6 and 11-4, needing a knockout. It was Frazier who dropped Ali in the first minute of the round, although it was Frazier who had swelling around both eyes almost closed at the end for the ring commentator who, after the fight, said: “Frazier is sitting on his stool looking sick” when it was announced that he was the winner. He was then taken to a hospital. Ali, who suffered his first defeat, had a swollen jaw, but did not go to the hospital.
The arrogance of Joshua, Holmes and Ali cost them in defeat.
