LONDON: Reigning International Boxing Federation heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois said on Thursday he was ready to do “whatever it takes” to win his fight against Anthony Joshua at Wembley Stadium on Saturday.

The two fighters, who will headline the Riyadh Season Card Wembley Edition event in London, faced off for a second time this week at a press conference at Guildhall in the British capital.

Dubois, who has been guarded and careful with his words during the build-up week, did not mince his words when asked how he felt 48 hours from the bout.

“I’ve been preparing for this moment for months. This fight has been anticipated since the start of my professional career, and I’m here to solidify my place by winning,” he said. 

“I’m feeling in peak condition, physically and mentally, and I’m prepared for battle.

“Whether by knockout or decision, I’ll do whatever it takes to win. The method doesn’t matter — what matters is that I’m ready for any scenario,” he added.

Joshua, who could join an elite group of fighters to be crowned a three-time world champion, emphasized the respect between him and Dubois, adding that boxing was “at its core, a gentleman’s sport.”

However, he acknowledged the tension that often accompanies face-offs, recalling a recent encounter with Dubois: “During the face-off about a month ago, tensions flared, but it remained respectful. Dubois said, ‘Let’s go now,’ and for a moment, I wasn’t sure what he meant. But this is boxing, and these things happen. We’re ready for Saturday.”

He continued: “In this sport, you can’t give anyone an inch because they’ll take a mile. I’m going all out, and I want to thank my team for their efforts in preparing me for this battle.”

Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing, said the event on Saturday had the potential to be an “historic night for British boxing,” and not just for his fighter.

“I never imagined that Riyadh Season would reach this level, but here we are, hosting an extraordinary event at Wembley,” he said. 

“Joshua has always been an inspiration to a new generation of fighters, and ever since he won Olympic gold, he has set the standard for British boxing. Saturday offers him the chance to prove himself once again as a three-time heavyweight world champion, joining the ranks of legends like Muhammad Ali and Lennox Lewis.

“Anthony is fully prepared. I’ve never seen him this calm and confident. Saturday will be a night to remember, and it will undoubtedly go down as one of the greatest in British sporting history,” he added.

Hearn’s rival promoter Frank Warren, who manages Dubois, agreed.

“This isn’t just any fight— we have two of Britain’s strongest heavyweight contenders going head-to-head. Both have faced challenges, but Dubois has shown throughout his career that he’s a fighter not to be underestimated,” he said.

“He’s surmounted numerous obstacles, and now he’s here to show the world what he’s capable of. Dubois packs a powerful punch, with speed and agility that make him a dangerous opponent.

“I advise everyone not to blink during this fight because it’s going to be extraordinary from start to finish. I truly believe this will be one of the greatest bouts in British boxing history.”

ATHENS: Former Manchester United forward Anthony Martial has penned a three-year deal with AEK Athens, the Greek first division club announced on Thursday.
Out of contract after nine years with the Premier League club, Martial will receive 3.5 million euros ($3.9m) per year, becoming the most expensive player in the history of the 13-time Greek champions, who are celebrating their centenary this year.
“I’m very happy. AEK was a chance for me and I want to give the best of myself to win trophies and bring joy to the fans,” the French player said.

The 28-year-old former Lyon and Monaco player signed for Man United in 2015, scoring 90 goals in 317 games and winning the Europa League in 2017 and two FA Cup trophies.
But he has never fulfilled his early promise after bursting onto the scene at Monaco as a teenager.
Martial was capped 30 times capped by France with two goals scored but his last selection was in the final of the Nations League in October 2021, though he did not appear from the bench in that match as France beat Spain 2-1.
AEK have also signed former Tottenham Hotspur and Sevilla midfielder Erik Lamela.
They are top of Super League Greece after four matches, but are not playing in European competition this season.