Hundreds of boxing fans packed London’s Trafalgar Square on Friday to watch the final fight between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois ahead of their IBF heavyweight title fight at Wembley Stadium on Saturday.
Joshua (28-3, 25 KOs) weighed 252 pounds, slightly more than Dubois (21-2, 20 KOs), who weighed the most at 248 pounds.
After dropping weight, Joshua made a plea to his fans, most of whom were rooting for him, not his opponent.
“If I can ask one favor of you, come home tonight and say a prayer for me to succeed tomorrow, to become a three-time heavyweight champion of the world,” Joshua said.
“I consider myself a gladiator, and tomorrow I go into the arena to perform in front of people who love to see blood, guts, and glory.”
Dubois was a bit more reserved and seemed laser-focused.
“I’m ready to fight, it’s just time to get in the ring and fight. I’m ready to fight. I’ve put a lot of work into this, a lot of training. I’m going to win by any means possible,” Dubois said.
The weigh-ins capped an eventful week of fights that took place at some of London’s most iconic locations – including a media briefing at Elderly Billingsgate, a photo op in front of Tower Bridge, a grand arrival in Leicester Square and a press conference at the Guildhall, built in 1440.
“They really push the boundaries in Riyadh during the season. In Los Angeles, we took over the Santa Monica Pier a few weeks ago [and] “The Chinese Theatre,” Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn told ESPN.
“It’s obviously Trafalgar Square… so firstly, it’s a lot closer to home and secondly, it’s a project that requires a lot of capital and investment. [hold events].
“The whole week has been incredible and this is the icing on the cake ahead of a historic night at Wembley tomorrow.
Hearn said Joshua was in the best shape of his career but warned Dubois would be a tough challenge.
“AJ is in a place I’ve never seen him before. I mean I’m always nervous about his fights but he just looks ready mentally, physically. But Dubois is a handful, it’s not going to be an basic fight,” Hearn said.
“But I believe he will win tomorrow and become a three-time heavyweight world champion.
Turki Alalshikh, chairman of the Saudi General Entertainment Authority, confirmed on Thursday that tickets had been sold out. A post-war record of 96,000 spectators is expected at Wembley Stadium on Saturday night.
Frank Warren, Dubois’ promoter, said the event would be unforgettable.
“Bombs down, that’s the way it’s going to be,” Warren said.
“I am very excited, it will be a huge fight and we will see fireworks tomorrow.
“[Dubois] “He’s a youthful man who just turned 27, he showed what he’s all about. He’s placid, composed and collected. You’re going to see something special tomorrow night.”