Anthony Joshua’s expected rematch with Daniel Dubois in February could fall through, reports skysports.
Dubois, the IBF heavyweight champion, knocked out Joshua at Wembley Stadium, in September. It was a crushing defeat, but a potential rematch in February has been laid out as an option for AJ.
“I’d have that in a heartbeat,” Frank Warren, Dubois’ promoter, told Sky Sports. “He’s got it (if he wants it).”
Warren, though, doubts that Joshua’s team ultimately will take it, adding: “Who’d you advise him to fight?”
He is adamant that Dubois-AJ II can only take place early in 2025. “He is the champion and it’ll be done on his terms,” Warren said.
“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.”
February is the window for that fight because later in the year Dubois could be looking at an undisputed world title shot of his own, especially if that came against previous conqueror, Oleksandr Usyk.
“What a great rematch that would be,” Warren said. “He wants that.”
Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, revealed, however, that while AJ wants that rematch, he might not be ready for February.
“Our concern at the moment is just timing,” Hearn told Sky Sports. “You’ve got a few little niggles, you get them looked at and then you can’t punch again for four, five weeks. If we’re going to fight him in February, we need to start camp in about three weeks. It’s quite a fast turnaround.”
Hearn continued: “Ideally we’d like to return around May time. It does feel as though it’s coming on quite quickly.
“From a body perspective, we could probably do with a little bit more time ideally. Sometimes it’s not ideal and you just go for it. But we just need to decide if are we
Sporting
Fighting
Sky Sports
reports
information
Profiles
Anthony Joshua
Oleksandr Usyk
Eddie Hearn
Frank Warren
Daniel Dubois