By: Sean Crose

As almost every fight fan knows, two-time multi-title heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua will be fighting Daniel Dubois this weekend for Dubois’ IBF heavyweight title at Wembley Stadium in London. A hugely critical clash of two substantial, powerful men, Joshua-Dubois is a huge deal in the UK and a hugely engaging one for those of us living overseas. Joshua has finally rebounded from a world-class career slump thanks to a recent trainer (Ben Davison) and some energetic performances. Dubois, on the other hand, arguably dropped Oleksandr Usyk with one punch when they fought a while back (the punch was deemed a low blow, allowing Usyk to win the fight). What’s more, Dubois has won two in a row in the same time frame.

So… who will win this 12-round fight? Joshua is the bigger favorite with the better resume, but Dubois holds the IBF title and nearly beat Usyk, a fighter who has beaten Joshua twice. Dubois has good jabs, solid footwork, and of course the power to knock down a wall. No one can erase the record in which all but two of the man’s many victories have come inside the distance.

Joshua has the advantage of height, though. As good as Dubois’ jab is, Joshua’s jab is probably better. What’s more, Davison has clearly shown Joshua how to avoid the massive punches that have hurt him throughout his career. Now, the man fights with a patience and confidence he’s lacked for some time. To win, Dubois will have to get inside… and get inside without being punished by Joshua, who can knock him out with one punch and who has some vicious body shots of his own.

Perhaps the most critical thing to consider is that Dubois hasn’t fought at this level. Sure, he’s had some substantial fights, but he’s never been on the other side of a London ring with Joshua on the other side. In other words, Joshua can fill them. Considering that close to 100,000 people are expected to show up this Saturday to watch the Joshua-Dubois fight live, it’s worth noting that Joshua will be here early. Dubois won’t. Things like that make a difference.

None of this is to say that Dubois can’t pull off a surprise. The talented and confident champion certainly can. I don’t think he’ll pull it off, though, which is why I’m predicting Joshua will win by knockout in the 11th round.

Tuckman Media will release The Featherweight, the directorial debut of Emmy Award winner Robert Kolodny (cinematographer on Procession and All the Beauty and the Bloodshed), telling the true story of legendary two-time world featherweight boxing champion Willie Pep.

The impressive cast is led by James Madio (Penguin, Band of Brothers), who gives a career-best performance as Pep, along with Ruby Wolf in her feature film debut, Keir Gilchrist (Love & Death, Atypical), Stephen Lang (Avatar franchise), Ron Livingston (The Flash, Loudermilk), Lawrence Gilliard Jr. (The Walking Dead, One Night in Miami), undefeated professional featherweight boxer Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington and Hartford native Imma Aiello in her own big-screen debut as Mama Papaleo, Willie Pep’s mother.

The film hits theaters in Pep’s home state of Connecticut on September 20. It had its world premiere last year at the 80th Venice International Film Festival, where the film received a six-minute standing ovation, and currently has a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Set in the mid-1960s in Hartford, Connecticut, The Featherweight is a gripping chapter in the true story of Italian-American boxer Willie Pep (James Madio)—the most decorated boxer of all time—who, in his mid-40s and with his personal life in disarray, decides to return to the ring, at which point a film crew steps in. Meticulously researched and constructed, the film is a compelling portrait of the discontent with masculinity, fame, and self-esteem in 20th-century America.

Many of the film’s executive producers are from Connecticut, including Dan Adams, Greg Butler, Donna Collins, Mark Contreras, Manon Cox, Angelo DeFazio, Robert Feiner, Karl Krapek, Alan Lazowski, Robert Patricelli and John Wolfson. Hartford producer Joe Youthful was an associate producer. The film was fully supported by George Norfleet and Mark Dixon of the State Film Office and state representative James Sanchez. The production was supported and endorsed by former Mayor Luke Bronin and Governor Ned Lamont.

The film was shot at local institutions such as Pratalona Social Club, The Hartford Club, The Polish National Home, The West Indian Social Club, Carbone’s, Hartford PAL Gym on Broad Street, Four Ropes Boxing, and Bushnell Park, to name a few.

Real Art Ways will host a preview screening of the film on September 18. Also on September 18, Charter Oak Boxing Academy (COBA) — where James Madio trained for the role of Pep and where much of the fight choreography was rehearsed — will host a press conference with select cast and producers at 5:30 p.m. in front of the Willie Pep mural on Pope Park Highway. Producers and cast will also visit various filming locations throughout the day to promote the film’s September 20 premiere.

After premiering at the Venice Film Festival, The Featherweight toured internationally, including the Provincetown International Film Festival, where Kolodny received the John Schlesinger Award for Best Director of a Feature Film. The film was praised for its technical aspects, re-creating the 1960s in rich detail and interspersing staged and archival boxing footage, telling the story through the prism of a documentary crew following Pep as he comes out of retirement and returns to the ring. Madio prepared for the role by training with John “The Iceman” Scully, who had known Pep for over 30 years and had been trained by one of Pep’s training partners, Joe Barile. Scully put Madio through months of training so he could capture Pep’s techniques and moves.

“It’s thrilling to bring The Featherweight to audiences, a film that our outstanding cast and exceptional crew have so diligently poured their hearts into. Willie Pep’s story is an all-American tale, full of great highs and terrible lows. He is not only a world-class boxer on the brink of collapse, but also the quintessential mid-century man, with all his flaws and cracks exposed for the camera,” said Kolodny.

Executive producer Donna Collins of Rocky Hill stated, “Bringing The Featherweight to our beloved Hartford is a case study in how filming can create community pride, honor the legacy of a hometown hero and provide local economic impact. This is more than just a film production, it’s a community collaboration.”

“Producers have been trying to bring Willie Pep’s story to the substantial screen for decades, and we are thrilled and honored to finally do it. Pep has the most wins in boxing history, and most have never heard of him. We hope The Featherweight will change that while cementing his legacy as one of the greatest to ever have it,” added writer/producer Steve Loff.

Loff (Desert Rain) wrote and produced alongside Madio, Bennett Elliot, Robert Greene (who also edited the film), Asger Hussain and Abhayanand Singh. Two-time Oscar nominee Steve James, Jennifer Davisson, Michael Hampton, Brian Liebman and Mark Hantoot also serve as executive producers.

TOMORROW evening at Wembley Stadium in London, former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua must win to keep alive his dreams of a domestic blockbuster with Tyson Fury or a third fight with Oleksandr Usyk.

In the opposite corner, current IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois is tasked with derailing the AJ train and bringing the Watford fighter one step closer to retirement.

Before they fight, 10 other contenders get a chance to shine for boxing’s newest power broker, Turki Alalshikh. There’s an eclectic mix of newborn fighters looking to make a name for themselves and senior hands trying to hold on to something they may have lost. Let’s see who Frank, Eddie (and Ben) have on this show.

Tyler Denny vs. Hamzah Sheeraz

An intriguing clash for Denny’s middleweight title. Once thrown into the national scrapheap, Denny is a boxing everyman determined to continue his budding fairy tale. But the powerful fists of Sheeraz await him.

Denny is finally getting the payday the former plumber deserves. If he beats Sheeraz, he’ll earn every penny. It’s a lofty order, because Sheeraz has looked exceptional at times throughout his career, learning and developing toward world-class status. To reach that level is admirable for the beloved left-handed champion, but this is probably a step too far.

Anthony Cacace vs. Josh Warrington

While Cacace’s IBF title is out of the question (due to boxing politics), the IBO title remains, so this is a 12-round fight. Leeds favourite Warrington is reaching veteran status, but if his fuel tank and fitness levels stay up, he has every chance of causing an upset.

Cacace from Belfast is very talented and hits incredibly tough (just ask Joe Cordina). If his stamina holds up to the end, Anto will lose the fight. Two passionate fan bases will be ready to lead their man to victory. Warrington’s long, tough career could catch up with him.

LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 19: Anthony Cacace and Josh Warrington react onstage before their Super Featherweight fight during the Riyadh Season – Wembley Edition press conference at Guildhall on September 19, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

Joshua Buatsi vs. Willy Hutchinson

Another stylistic mashup that divided opinion. Willy Hutchinson is certainly a character and his win over Craig Richards answered many questions. Buatsi also defeated Richards and is a talent whose career came close to taking off but never quite took off.

Willy has excelled at breaking up lesser-known opponents, but when Lennox Clarke attacked him, he underestimated the heat, although he claims there were extenuating circumstances behind the loss. If Buatsi’s punches are true and his motivation matches his skills, he’s the best bet to press tough and seal the deal, whether it’s from range or on points.

Josh Kelly vs. Ishmael Davis

When original competitor Liam Smith withdrew, things looked uncertain for former Olympian Josh Kelly. Enter Ishmael Davis, a hard-working man with a troubled past who redeemed himself through noble art. Davis is fit, mighty, clumsy, and has already prepared for the fight. He may also have a few strategic tricks up his sleeve.

Kelly is talented, but how badly does he need a fight? He dominated Troy Williamson (Davis also won against Troy), but the Darlington man operates in straight lines. Davis, who strikes from both sides, is not as predictable. Kelly’s ability is there for all to see, but Davis’s desire could be the equalizer. This match could be a surprise.

LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 19: Hamzah Sheeraz and Tyler Denny react onstage ahead of their European middleweight title fight during the Riyadh Season – Wembley Edition press conference at Guildhall on September 19, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

Mark Chamberlain vs. Josh Padley

Two undefeated fighters face off as Turki Alalshikh’s favorite fighter, Mark Chamberlain, takes on Josh Padley. Chamberlain is adept at finding his opponents’ weaknesses and using them to his advantage. The undefeated Padley technically moved up in weight to get this gigantic opportunity.

There’s a lot riding on this, as Chamberlain has promotional rival Sam Noakes on his radar. The way Chamberlain dismantled Gavin Gwynne was impressive. Padley will need to weather the early storm and persevere if he’s to have any chance of winning.

Mark Chamberlain’s career has reached a novel level in 2024. (Photo: Richard Pelham/Getty Images)