anthony Joshua’s anticipated February rematch against Daniel Dubois is now uncertain, with promoter Eddie Hearn raising concerns over the quick recovery period. Joshua, who suffered a knockout loss to Dubois in September, has been focused on a comeback in Saudi Arabia.
However, Hearn hinted that a May rematch might be more realistic, explaining, “It’s a fast turnaround.” Despite Joshua’s desire to face Dubois again, Hearn is cautious about the timeline to ensure proper preparation.
Plans could also shift if Tyson Fury triumphs in his December rematch against Oleksandr Usyk, potentially setting up a high-stakes summer showdown between Fury and Joshua.
Anthony Joshua’s potential rematch with Daniel Dubois in February has been cast into doubt due to minor injuries and timing issues.
Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, told BBC Sport that whilst AJ “desperately wants revenge”, there are concerns about the tight turnaround.
“For the rematch to happen in February, training camp will have to start in a couple of weeks,” Hearn explained.
“There are always niggles and he had a few so physically it’s just a case of whether AJ is ready to do that.”
The uncertainty comes just months after Dubois shocked Joshua with a fifth-round knockout at Wembley Stadium in September.
Hearn further elaborated on the timing concerns in an interview with Sky Sports. “Ideally we’d like to return around May time,” he said.
“It does feel as though it’s coming on quite quickly.”
The promoter emphasised that Joshua has categorically expressed his desire for the rematch.
However, the decision on whether he will be ready for February is yet to be made.
“From a body perspective we could probably do with a little bit more time ideally,” Hearn added.
“Sometimes it’s not ideal and you just go for it. But we just need to decide are we going to be ready.”
Daniel Dubois, the IBF heavyweight champion, is set to defend his title in February regardless of Joshua’s decision.
With the Dubois rematch uncertain, Joshua may instead set his sights on a potential bout with Tyson Fury.
Hearn told BBC Sport: “It would be frustrating if we made the Dubois rematch and Fury won [vs Oleksandr Usyk]. Then we’re sitting there going ‘hang on a minute, we’re fighting Dubois but we could have fought Fury in May for the biggest fight in boxing.'”
The promoter added: “Win or lose, we can fight Fury next summer. But if he wins, AJ fights him for the world title.”
Frank Warren, Dubois’ promoter, told Sky Sports: “Daniel will defend his title in February and if it’s not Joshua then it’ll be against somebody who is ranked in the top five.”
Warren added that Dubois would take the rematch “in a heartbeat” but questioned whether Joshua’s team would advise him to do so.
The IBF rules allow Dubois a nine-month window for a voluntary defence, which opened the possibility for the Joshua rematch.
However, after this period, Dubois must fulfil a mandatory title defence.
Fury is set to face Usyk on 21 December, with the outcome potentially influencing Joshua’s next move.
Former lightweight champion Anthony Crolla has advised Anthony Joshua to consider retirement from boxing if he is not motivated by the financial rewards.
Anthony Joshua, who suffered a knockout defeat to Daniel Dubois last month, has dropped to seventh in the heavyweight rankings. Despite Joshua’s desire for a comeback, Crolla suggests retirement may be the best option if the monetary incentives no longer hold appeal.
“There are some huge fights out there as Anthony Joshua is still a huge name,” Crolla said. “Monster paydays out there for him. If he’s not interested in that, then yeah, I think he should retire.”
Crolla acknowledges Joshua’s impressive career and contributions to British boxing. However, he questions Joshua’s ability to compete with Usyk, Fury, or even Dubois.
The potential rematch between Joshua and Dubois is a topic of discussion, with some believing it could be a turning point. However, Crolla suggests a victory wouldn’t necessarily mean a prolonged career.
“If he beats Daniel in the rematch, then call it a day,” Crolla said. “Unbelievable what you’ve done, you’ve avenged a one-sided loss, but that’s only up to him.”
Crolla also acknowledges the diminishing hype surrounding a potential Joshua vs. Fury fight. While the fight would still attract attention, Crolla believes it wouldn’t have the same excitement as it once did.
“There’s always going to be demand for an Anthony Joshua Tyson Fury fight, but is it going to be the same as what it once was? No,” Crolla said.
Anthony Joshua might get a chance to redeem himself against Daniel Dubois at the beginning of 2025.
Dubois managed to drop Joshua four times in his victory in September. It was his fifth straight victory and he managed to retain the IBF heavyweight title at Wembley Stadium.
Plenty of talk for their immediate rematch caused the sensation after Dubois knocked out AJ back in September. Due to this, the IBF has set an April deadline for the rematch to take place.
Many felt that their encounter back in September would easily favour Joshua’s victory as he rebuilds towards another shot at the undisputed world heavyweight title.
To their surprise, Dubois emerged victorious with a knockout on Joshua and this has led to many intriguing factors in the rematch.
The deadline has been set because Daniel Dubois is the current IBF world heavyweight champion, and as IBF champion, Dubois has a mandatory fight that is due on June 21, 2025. He needs to conclude any optional defences at least 60 days before that date.
April 22, 2025, is the last date that the Joshua fight could happen.
It will be very interesting to see which route Dubois decides on, he said he would be very much open to fighting Joshua a second time because he is quite confident, he will defeat him again.
Joshua is almost desperate to fight Dubois again because it will be a chance to redeem himself from the defeat.
Dubois vs Joshua is a big and interesting fight, though his match against Bakole or Kabayel is also something to forward to.
Bakole and Kabayel will face each other and the winner will face Dubois for the IBF title.
This is a make-or-break opportunity for Anthony Joshua because if he wins, he will be able to redeem himself but if he loses, he might be forced to early retirement.
Anthony Joshua’s 28 day ban he received from boxing authorities, imposed in the aftermath of his loss has come to a conclusion. Now its up to the former champion to pick up the pieces of his career .
At 35 years of age Joshua might have one or two more fights left in him as he has been matched much harder than many fighters of his era.
At the time it was easy to pick Daniel Dubois to beat Anthony Joshua. Yet, most of the boxing community was asleep on this one figuring AJ had one more great fight in him. He indeed may but, he was living his own hype following his dramatic knockout against Ngannou.
“Riding high in April; Shot down in May. Thats Life!!,” said X user in post that referenced the Frank Sinatra song and Joshua’s knockout victory earlier this year.
Incredibly, Francis Ngannou has had a comeback win already. Ngannou broke down in tears following a first round KO win over Renan Ferreira this past weekend.
Some fighters are a rhythm fighters. AJ’s biggest enemy has long been not the man he faces across the ring when the bell rings but, the guy he see’s in the mirror. When his confidence allows himself to fight smartly like against Usyk. It would be that side of himself AJ must appeal to now as he prepares to once again rebuild from a devastating knockout loss.
Heavy-hands and big heart will only get so far as a glance across the ring last month would have proved a great example of. In his loss to Dubois, Anthony Joshua regressed as a fighter defensively. Gone was the foot work and slips that allowed him to go toe-to-toe with all time great Alexsander (Oleksander) Usyk.
Can Joshua at 35 bounce back? Only time will tell.
Daniel Dubois is back in the UK after the biggest win of his career.
Dubois pulled off one of the best performances of the year when he knocked out Anthony Joshua at Wembley Stadium to retain his IBF heavyweight title.
‘DDD’ dominated the action and dropped Joshua multiple times throughout the fight, before getting the finish in the fifth round of their battle.
Dubois headed to Brazil after his victory to celebrate, but recently touched down back in England as talks continue over who may be his next opponent.
A rematch with Joshua could be an option, with February suggested as a possible date, and Dubois has told Podlounge UK that no matter who it is, he only wants to take on the best in the division.
“I’m looking forward to getting the news on the next date and the next fight. Whoever wants it in the division can get it. I’m ready.
“There is talk of a rematch and if they want it that’ll be next. Whoever comes up next will be a top quality contender. I’m not going backwards, I’m going forwards, I want to fight the best and beat the best.”
If not Joshua next, Dubois may look to take on the winner of the rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury, which takes place on December 21.
‘DDD’ fought Usyk back in August 2023, with the fight having a controversial moment where the Ukrainian appeared to be dropped with a body shot, before it was then ruled a low blow.
Usyk went on to win the fight by stoppage, but Dubois has vowed to ‘end’ his rival if they meet again.
Daniel Dubois has discussed the prospects of a rematch with Anthony Joshua as well as his desire for a second fight with world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk
Daniel Dubois has sent Anthony Joshua a stark message claiming his opponent would have “demons on his mind” in the build-up to any potential rematch.
Last month, the pair fought at Wembley Stadium, and despite Joshua entering as the heavy favourite, he found himself struggling from the first round. Dubois dropped him four times en route to a triumphant fifth-round knockout, successfully defending his IBF title.
Many boxing pundits have said Joshua should retire after the defeat. However, he believes there will be another chance to become a three-time world heavyweight champion, even after falling to a fourth career defeat.
Frank Warren, Dubois’ promoter, wants ‘Dynamite’ to return to the ring early next year and has indicated an openness to a second showdown with Joshua, with the potential to headline the scheduled February 22 fight night in Riyadh.
Ahead of this, Dubois believes Joshua will be facing inner turmoil. The IBF champion told BoxNation: “He’ll have a lot of demons playing on his mind.
“Who knows if people are talking him into it? I don’t know. I know from my side I’m ready to go out there and show the world that I’m the king.”
Some suggest that ‘Triple D’ should take on the victor of the Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury rematch later this year, but a rematch with AJ seems to be a more likely scenario. However, Dubois has openly stated that he has unfinished business with the Ukrainian champion.
Last year, ‘Dynamite’ and him met in the ring, with the British fighter knocking Usyk down with a body shot that the referee controversially deemed a low blow. Usyk ultimately secured a knockout victory in the ninth round.
“That’s unfinished business,” Dubois said. “I want to get that one right. I want to do it properly and finish him. It will be a good fight, a unification fight, that’s massive.”
Daniel Dubois has had his say on a potential rematch with Anthony Joshua.
Dubois retained his IBF heavyweight title with a stunning fifth round knockout win against Joshua at Wembley Stadium in September.
Attention immediately turned to whether an immediate rematch could be next, with February touted as an option if it was to go ahead.
Dubois has now shared his thoughts on taking on ‘AJ’ again, telling BoxNation that he feels his heavyweight rival will have demons on his mind.
“He’ll have a lot of demons playing on his mind. Who knows if people are talking him into it, I don’t know. I know from my side I’m ready to go out there and show the world that I’m the king.”
If not Joshua for Dubois next, the 27-year-old is keen to try and avenge his defeat to Oleksandr Usyk, if Usyk is able to beat Tyson Fury in their rematch in December.
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 01: Anthony Joshua looks on during the Heavyweight fight between Anthony Joshua and Jermaine Franklin at The O2 Arena on April 01, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by James Chance/Getty Images)
“That’s unfinished business. I want to get that one right. I want to do it properly and finish him. It will be a good fight, a unification fight, that’s massive.”
Dubois fought Usyk in August 2023, and did send the Ukrainian to the canvas with what he thought was a body shot, but it was ruled a low blow, and Usyk went on to win by ninth round stoppage.
As for Joshua, he’ll be looking to get his career back on track and become world champion again if he takes on Dubois next, and ‘AJ’ has recently named the heavyweight who he says he ‘ruined with one punch.’
During the interview, Dubois talked about his three weeks in Brazil. “Good, good. Sunshine, recharging the batteries, and ready to go,” he said. The champion highlighted that his time in the South American country allowed him to recharge for his upcoming fights.
Even while on vacation, Dubois remains a recognized figure, even in Brazil. The boxer admitted that he was surprised by the number of people who recognized him and asked for photos. “It’s global now, which is amazing,” said Dubois, who made it clear he is eager for the challenges ahead. “Anyone in any division who wants it, they can get it,” he declared.
The boxer also reflected on the responsibility that comes with being a world champion. Although he was already a champion after his fight against Filip Hrgović, Dubois sees his victory at Wembley Stadium as a key moment. “Now it’s all about the big names, the big fights. I want them next,” he emphasized.
One of the most anticipated topics was the possible rematch with Anthony Joshua. Dubois admitted that he has heard rumors about the fight, but hasn’t paid much attention to the details. Nevertheless, he expressed his desire to face Joshua again: “I want to do even better against him,” Dubois stated. Regarding whether Joshua would accept the fight, Dubois believes that “he’ll have a lot of demons in his mind,” but he is ready to prove that he is the king of the heavyweight division.
Daniel Dubois’ goal: fight the best
Dubois doesn’t hide his interest in fighting the best in the world. When asked about a potential matchup with the winner between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury, the champion was direct: “Yeah, absolutely. Call them all out. Give me the opportunity, let’s make the big fights happen. That’s what being world champion is for, no more ducking.”
He also made it clear that a rematch against Oleksandr Usyk is an “unfinished business,” with the goal of correcting past mistakes. “I’ve got to get that right, rewrite the script, and finish him. It’ll be a good fight, a unification bout, and that’s massive,” said Dubois.
Likewise, if a fight with Tyson Fury materializes, Dubois anticipates that it will be a monumental clash. Both British boxers, world champions, would represent one of the biggest matchups in British boxing history. “We’re all world champions or have been. I’m looking forward to being the last man standing,” said Dubois.
Daniel Dubois also reflected on how his life has changed since becoming world champion. Although he tries to stay calm, he recognizes that “everything will speed up in the coming weeks.” The British boxer has maintained his focus and dedication, as he demonstrated after his loss to Joe Joyce, when he promised to return with vengeance. “I’m more focused than ever. I’m leaving no stones unturned, no regrets,” Dubois assured.
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 01: Anthony Joshua looks on prior to the Heavyweight fight between Anthony Joshua and Jermaine Franklin at The O2 Arena on April 01, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by James Chance/Getty Images)
Performance over the past year
Frank Warren, Dubois’ promoter, highlighted the champion’s impressive streak of fights, facing Usyk, Jarrell Miller, Hrgović, and Joshua in just 13 months. Dubois acknowledged that this string of matches has been key to his improvement:
“I’m improving in every fight, and you need to fight the best to do that. I’ve fought the top guys, and they’ve tested me in different ways. I’m just getting tougher, and it’s paying off. I feel like a new person, a new animal,” said Dubois.
Possible rematch with Anthony Joshua in 2025
Lastly, it was mentioned that Anthony Joshua was suspended for 28 days following his loss to Dubois, a standard process after a defeat. However, the suspension period has already ended, and Joshua is cleared to return to the ring. A rematch between the two fighters is expected to take place in 2025, with Turki Alalshikh expressing interest in having them face off again.
Dubois left a clear message for Joshua: “If he wants it again, let’s do it. Let’s go!” The British champion is ready for his next big fight, whether it’s against Joshua, Fury, or Usyk.
Daniel Dubois is back and more determined than ever to solidify himself as the king of the heavyweight division.
