Poor Joshua was completely overwhelmed at Wembley and in less than 15 minutes was the hapless and helpless victim of his advancing years and Triple D’s youth and voracious appetite.
Anthony Joshua locked horns with Daniel Dubois for the IBF heavyweight title.
He was floored in the first round of what proved to be a sensational fightCredit: PA
AJ somehow survived until the fifth and final stanza when he was finally laid outCredit: REUTERS
The former two-time unified champion was mauled by the young lion that is Dubois.
Before the Welfare State, being a hungry fighter usually meant you grew up in poverty and the only way to put food on the table and keep a full belly was to fight for it.
Dubois has always had more than enough to eat. His hunger has been for success, recognition by his peers and a burning desire to be a true champion and not just a paper one.
And that is what turned him into such a ferociously dangerous animal who leapt from his corner at the opening bell intent on devouring the man facing him.
We had wondered if the normally placid, respectful Dubois was really ruthless enough to grit his teeth and storm his way to the top of the pile.
I was one who doubted his resolve, particularly after he took the knee in the ninth round to bail out of his world heavyweight title clash against Oleksandr Usyk in Poland a year ago.
Nobody knows who once wrote: “Never give in. Never give up. Be relentless, be unstoppable . . . be so hungry that it keeps you awake.
“You can accomplish anything. This is your time.”
I don’t suppose for a minute Dubois ever read that — but he certainly lived every minute of those sentiments.