Anthony Joshua gives real reason why he lashed out and confronted Daniel Dubois after 'disrespect' during tense face-off

17/09/2024 10:25

Anthony Joshua wanted to ensure Daniel Dubois didn’t ‘take an inch’ in their confrontation at a face-off.

Joshua and Dubois will clash this weekend for the IBF heavyweight title, but have already sparked a rivalry between each other in a spikey fight build-up.

The British power-hitters were separated by security at a face-off before their launch press conference, as Joshua stood up after his rival wanted to get into it before the opening bell.

And AJ has now revealed in an exclusive interview with talkSPORT pundit Spencer Oliver why he really decided to escalate their tense exchange.

“Look I tell anyone at home, don’t let anyone take in an inch because that then becomes a mile,” Joshua said.

“That can then have a ripple effect because other people start thinking, ‘Oh I can push his buttons as well.’

“You have to sometimes draw a line under certain things and put a full stop behind it.

“That can eradicate people doing it. I’m in a very competitive industry and you have to make your mark known that you aren’t here to play games.

“That’s all it is. I’m not someone to tolerate any nonsense and I’d advised everyone to have that same attitude.”

Footage emerged of the incident which saw Dubois call for Joshua to ‘go now’ as he showed a new fiery side to his personality.

Joshua stood up and edged towards his rival, before threatening to ‘smash a chair’ across his face, as things quickly turned prickly.

Luckily the altercation did not come to blows with the pair prevented from throwing punches before fight night.

But there will be concerns from security officials that things could again be stirred during the final media duties before the clash.

Dubois’ promoter Frank Warren has confirmed exactly that, insisting that both teams are on edge at the thought of things becoming hostile.

“Fight week, everybody is on edge. These guys are jumping out of their skin and as fit as they’re ever going to be,” Warren said.

“They know what’s at stake. It’s pretty much a mental game now. Each of them will be trying to get an edge mentally.

“I’m sure something will be said, because that’s the nature of the business.

“Whatever is said, at the end of the day it doesn’t matter. What does matter is Saturday night when they step into the ring.

“When the first bell goes is when you get down to the serious business. When you’re getting hit.”

talkSPORT will bring you exclusive live commentary of the heavyweight clash at Wembley Stadium between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois on Saturday, September 21. Download the talkSPORT app here.