‘Don’t Disrespect Me’: Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois Separated by Security

Anthony Joshua (28-3, 25 KOs) is gearing up for his thirteenth world title fight with a highly anticipated showdown against IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois (21-3, 20 KOs) on September 21. However, it sure looks like the fighters might not wait until fight night to settle their differences. A recent event saw the duo get separated by security after a war of words horribly went out of hand.

Joshua and Dubois sat down for their “Face Off” along with promoters Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren. In conversation, AJ mentioned that he was both physically and mentally prepared to step inside the ring. “Speaking from the bottom of my heart, aside from belts and aside from it being him. I’m ready to fight,” Joshua said.

In response, Dubois wasted no time taunting Joshua by asking him to swing at him in front of the cameras. This was despite Warren reminding the duo to wait until September 21. Dubois’ words, however, did not sit well with Joshua. The former heavyweight champion even warned him of a WWE-esque retaliation for the “disrespect.”

“Relax. I’ll put the f*cking chair across your face. Don’t disrespect me,” he said. In turn, Dubois retorted, “Don’t intimidate me. Who do you think you are?”

Hearing this, Joshua sprang up from his chair, and Dubois quickly followed suit. Security had to intervene to physically separate both fighters and prevent the scuffle from turning into an all-out brawl. As he was being escorted out, Joshua made it a point to ensure that he had the last word. “I don’t take disrespect lightly, you know. Don’t sit on the table telling me we can go and do all of this and that. Try to call me out,” he said.

“Will Set Me As A Legit Champion”

Meanwhile, Dubois is looking forward to the upcoming fight. In fact, he is confident that a victory against AJ will cement his position as a behemoth in the heavyweight division. “I’m the underdog because I have to prove myself and beating him and winning this next fight will set me as a legit champion. I’m raring to go. This is everything—the big opportunity,” he said in an interview with Sky Sports.“Win by any means necessary, but a stoppage is definitely what I’m after. A good stoppage and a statement victory, that’s what I’m all about.”