As Daniel Dubois prepares for the biggest fight of his career against Anthony Joshua, veteran fighter John Ryder believes Dubois “probably doesn’t understand” the gravity of the occasion awaiting him at Wembley Stadium.
With a record-breaking 96,000 fans set to watch the bout on Saturday, Ryder, who has faced some of the most intense atmospheres in boxing, thinks Dubois is yet to grasp what lies ahead.
“I don’t think Daniel quite realises what it’s going to be like walking out there. It’s going to be completely new for him – a whole new ball game if you want to call it that – nothing like he’s come across before,” Ryder told SportsBoom.com.
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This clash will mark Joshua’s fifth fight at Wembley, adding to a résumé that includes headlining at other iconic venues such as Madison Square Garden and the Principality Stadium. In contrast, while Dubois has fought on major stages like Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Ryder insists this is a different level.
“He’ll think he’s grasped what it’s going to be like. But he still probably doesn’t understand the glare of the spotlight and the sheer intensity of what’s going to happen,” Ryder added.
However, he also noted that Dubois’ singular focus on boxing and family could work to his advantage.
“That might help him not get overawed by it all. He might just be able to get in there and do his stuff. But trust me, this is going to be very different for him,” Ryder said.
Reflecting on his own experience, Ryder drew parallels with his bout against Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez in front of 56,000 hostile fans in Guadalajara.
He recalled: “I spent weeks readying myself psychologically for it. I like to think I coped with it well – going into the lion’s den… and having 56,000 people booing me.”
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Ryder also highlighted a moment from a previous press call where Dubois challenged Joshua to a fight outside.
“That showed a different side to Anthony, one not many people might have seen before. He seems in a good place, and a happy fighter is a dangerous fighter,” he noted.
As the showdown looms, Ryder believes the mental battle will be crucial.
“Daniel is on a really good run of form, but he’s walking into a whole new challenge,” he concluded.
