Daniel Dubois knocks out Anthony Joshua to retain IBF heavyweight title – live reaction | Boxing

Michael Buffer provides the details. Daniel Dubois wins by knockout in the 5th round after 0:59 minutes. The performance of his life in front of a post-war record crowd of 96,000 spectators at Wembley Stadium.

Daniel Dubois wins by KO in the fifth round!

Round 4

The referee takes a long look into Joshua's corner before letting him continue. Dubois continues to work the Olympic champion from pillar to post. Joshua appears to be going down again, but the referee, who briefly looked like he was going to wave it off, instead rules it as a slip. Joshua on rubbery legs, a look of resignation on his face. Dubois, a man possessed. A breathtaking performance.

Unofficial result from the Guardian: Dubois 10-9 Joshua (Dubois 40-34 Joshua)

Joshua is down in the third round!

Round 2

Dubois keeps the pressure on and Joshua is in big trouble with plenty of time left until the second round! Dubois is very close to Joshua, who is desperately holding on. Joshua is staggering and Dubois can't seem to miss with his jab. Dubois is putting Joshua under pressure in the clinches. Joshua manages to get back to his feet as Dubois slows down a bit. Joshua lands a right hook. Easy round for Dubois, who has been a threat for six blistering minutes.

Unofficial result from the Guardian: Dubois 10-9 Joshua (Dubois 20-17 Joshua)

Joshua is down in the first round!

The fighters were announced by ring announcer Michael Buffer. Final instructions have been given by referee Marcus McDonnell, seconds have expired and we'll continue with lap by lap coverage from here!

Time for “God save the king”. Sounds like every one of the 96,000 paying ticket holders is participating. That's really nice!

Both fighters are in the ring. Now it's time for the national anthem of Saudi Arabia. Of course.

The fighters do their ring walks! First, it's Dubois, who makes the long walk to the ring in a simple black tunic with a monogram on the chest to 50 Cent's In da Club. He looks relaxed and confident as he approaches the ring and climbs through the ropes while fireworks are set off from the roof of the stadium.

Now it's Joshua who emerges in a traditional white robe with black trim and black sequins on the shoulders, while Jay-Z's Public Service Announcement blares at a deafening volume from the stadium sound system. The man looks focused as he walks down the long, illuminated catwalk leading to the ring. Absolute scenes.

A crowd of 96,000 people sings “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond at the top of their lungs. Opinions may differ as to what one thinks of this sacred ritual of British fight night, but there is no denying the intensity of this spectacle on this scale.

Liam Gallagher ends his set with “Cigarettes & Alcohol” and the fighters’ performances should follow next. Say what you will about Saudi Arabia's injection of money into boxing, but no one can deny the production values.

History of the band

Liam Gallagher's pre-fight performance on a stage in the middle of the pitch is underway. He opened with Rock 'n' Roll Star before going to Supersonic. A bit of pre-scouting for Oasis dates here in 10 months?

The stars are ready for the big fight tonight. Meanwhile, Liam Gallagher has just come out of the tunnel at Wembley to make a pre-fight appearance.

Our Donald McRae was at the weigh-in at Trafalgar Square on Fridaywhere Dubois and Joshua faced each other one last time.

“I'm just ready to fight,” Anthony Joshua said earlier this month as he looked ahead to his fight against Daniel Dubois on Saturday night at Wembley Stadium. Dubois sat across from Joshua at a table in a television studio and, in a nod to the often staged drama that pre-fight broadcasts are designed to generate, he coolly looked at his more famous opponent and said: “Let's go.”

His promoter Frank Warren, who was sitting next to Dubois, smiled and added a little warning to ease the sudden tension: “But let's wait until the 21st.” Dubois ignored Warren for once and continued: “If he wants to swing, let's go now.”

“Shut up,” Joshua snapped. “Relax.” Dubois looked pretty relaxed, but he wasn't about to drop his provocative invitation. “If you want to go now,” he said, glaring at Joshua, “then let's go.”

Joshua, who is usually criticized for being too sterile and almost businesslike in his public appearances, reacted with unusual vehemence and foul language. “I'm going to smash this damn chair in your face,” he warned Dubois. “Be respectful to me.”

“You can't intimidate me,” Dubois replied. “Who do you think you are?”

preamble

Bryan will be here shortly. In the meantime, here is Donald McRae's preview of tonight's main event.