Trainer John Pullman weighs in on the upcoming Anthony Joshua-Daniel Dubois fight. Emphasis is placed on time and the growth of both fighters as factors that make the match up. “Really interesting.”
The IBF heavyweight title will be on the line Saturday at Wembley Stadium in what serves as a crossroads for Dubois (21-2, 20 KO) and Joshua (28- 3, 25 KO) Dubois, 27, is coming off wins over Jarrell Miller and Filip Horkovic, while Joshua, 34, is on a three-fight streak. Since joining the team with trainer Ben Davison
This fight not only had a major impact on British heavyweight boxing. But it also adds clarity to the world heavyweight division. Pullman, who previously worked with heavyweight Gerald Washington, said: “This fight is very interesting. Especially considering the issues that have arisen in both fighters’ careers. Dubois appears to have thrived after the loss of Joe. That was a tough time for Joyce, usually when a fighter gives up on a fight. both mentally and spiritually It’s difficult to come back. But Dubois seems to be taking a hard look in the mirror. Surrounded by strong men like his father and new trainer Don Charles, who dragged him through the mud. If you want.”
Pullman points to Dubois’ resilience in his most recent fights as evidence of his maturity.
“When he fought Jarrell Miller, who is a tough guy with an iron chin and questionable strategy. Du Bois stuck with it. move his feet And that was a growing moment for him. He also impressed me against Filip Hgovic, who finished him off with some big shots, but Dubois weathered the storm and stopped him. He is at the top now,” Pullman added.
As for Joshua, Pullman has noted a similar up-and-down career but credits his recent form to his partnership with trainer Ben Davison.
“Joshua is a very talented athlete. Has a better skill set and is more explosive. I’m leaning towards him in this fight. But only if Dubois can carry him past the sixth or seventh round. Everything is possible.”
When asked about the potential impact of Dubois’ controversial loss to Oleksandr Usyk, Pullman acknowledged the psychological challenge of thinking you’ve won the fight. But then you realize that you still haven’t won.
“That happened. I remember Micky Ward thought he had won the fight with Arturo Gatti for a moment. And it is difficult to switch back into battle mode after releasing all of your emotions. Du Bois may have experienced something similar.”
For the key to victory Pullman emphasized the importance of Dubois’ defense.
“Dubois has to be strict early on. He wasn’t able to use the right hand he took from Hrkovic in the first round against Joshua. For Joshua, it was all about landing big punches early on. And create a jab if Dubois can withstand the early attacks and avoid big hits. His style is more suitable for later rounds. But if Joshua is jabbed He was able to stop Dubois in the first half of the fight.”
Lucas Ketelle is a proud member of the Boxing Writers Association of America and author of “Inside The Ropes of Boxing” (available on Amazon). Contact him on X @LukieBoxing.
