BY BOXING HIT STAFF-
The world of boxing is often shrouded in secrecy, especially when it comes to sparring sessions. It is considered an unwritten rule, a moral code to go by, that what happens in sparring stays in sparring. Fighters use these sessions to sharpen their skills and prepare for upcoming bouts, without the fear of judgment or scrutiny. However, this rule is often broken by so-called “whistleblowers” who feel the need to share the details of what they saw or claimed to have seen during these closed-door sessions.
A recent example of this breach of trust occurred between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois. Reports surfaced about a sparring session that took place between the two fighters in Sheffield back in 2016. One witness, ex-Team GB fighter Anthony Fowler, claimed that an inexperienced Dubois had tagged Joshua with a powerful left hook, causing Joshua’s legs to turn to jelly. Fowler went on to say that Dubois could have “put him to sleep,” but chose not to as he respected Joshua too much.
Joshua’s Response
In response to these rumors, Joshua gave his side of the story in an interview with Sky Sports. He downplayed the incident, stating that Dubois had indeed landed a good shot, but he remained on his feet. Joshua expressed confusion over the exaggerated narrative that had been circulating, emphasizing that there were many witnesses present who could attest to the truth of the situation. He seemed unfazed by the rumors and expressed a nonchalant attitude towards the whole ordeal.
Despite the hype generated by the rumors of the sparring session, it is unlikely to have any significant impact on the outcome of the upcoming fight between Joshua and Dubois. It is a well-known fact that fighters can often struggle in sparring sessions, only to perform brilliantly in the actual fight. Muhammad Ali, for example, was known to look lackluster in sparring but would shine when it truly mattered. Therefore, the idea that Dubois almost knocked out Joshua in sparring should be taken with a grain of salt.
Separating Truth from Hype
It is crucial for boxing fans and pundits alike to differentiate between truth and hype in situations like these. Sparring sessions are meant to be a learning experience for fighters, where they can test their skills and make adjustments without the pressure of a real fight. Rumors and exaggerated accounts of these sessions can often detract from the sport itself, leading to unnecessary controversy and speculation. As observers, it is our responsibility to approach such stories with skepticism and critical thinking.
The saga of the Joshua-Dubois sparring session serves as a reminder of the importance of integrity and honesty in the world of boxing. While rumors and gossip may generate excitement and anticipation for upcoming fights, they should not be taken as gospel truth. As fans, let us appreciate the craft and skill of the fighters without getting caught up in the drama and sensationalism that often surrounds the sport.
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