Anthony Joshua finally makes honest confession about Daniel Dubois sparring

Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois sparred eight years ago with conflicting stories and rumours being spread ever since

Anthony Joshua has finally conceded he is out for revenge against Daniel Dubois - eight years after their infamous sparring session.

Joshua sparred Dubois early in his professional career before the latter had turned to the paid ranks. Stories and rumours have spread ever since with some insiders claiming Dubois dropped the Olympic champion. And Joshua has accepted that he was caught by a good shot - and that he will answer back at Wembley this weekend.

"He cracked me with a great shot and it’s my chance to get him back on Saturday. I’m looking forward to it. We sparred hundreds of rounds,” said Joshua. “I’m not dependent on punch power. It takes a lot more than that to be a greater fighter. There are various ways to win. I want to break him down with my spirit. I’m tough, so is he. We have some similarities. I’ve shown him and his team respect by having a good camp. May the best man win."

Dubois will defend his heavyweight world title for the first time when he faces two-time ruler Joshua in front of 96,000 fans at the national stadium. And he has been forced to deny he has sacked coach Don Charles just days before the first bell after rumours spread over social media. “As long as he’s in my corner on fight I’m alright. Everything is good,” said Dubois. "I'm ready to go. It's a world title and I need to retain it and hold on to it. It's a great thing but I need to legitimise myself. I'm on a roll and I want the biggest challenges. I want to make a name for myself and create history."

Meanwhile, Dubois' promoter Frank Warren promised Dubois and Joshua will deliver a heavyweight classic cast in the image of the famous three-round war fought between middleweights Marvin Hagler and Thomas Hearns in 1985. Both fighters have knockout power with 45 out of their combined 49 wins ending early.

“Two massive punchers. Two really good boxers who are on a roll. They’ve both had their ups and downs. We are definitely going to see something special,” said Warren. “For me there’s nothing better than two Brits in the ring in a competitive, big fight. It’s 96,000 people, sold out. It’s going to be something special.

“We’ve got a two-time world champion against the new kid on the block. And this new kid on the block can fight. He’s as big a puncher, if not a bigger puncher, than AJ. One thing is for sure – do not blink on Saturday night. Because from the first bell to the last it’s going to be something extra special. I believe this heavyweight fight is going to be Britain’s Hagler-Hearns. That’s how exciting it will be."