Anthony Joshua rematch with Daniel Dubois 'in doubt' as Eddie Hearn raises fresh concern

There are doubts about Anthony Joshua's readiness for a rematch with Daniel Dubois.

Their second bout, pencilled in for February, could be scrapped following their clash at Wembley last month, which saw Joshua hit the canvas in the opening round. Dubois won by knockout in the fifth, defending his IBF world title.

With a nine-month window for a voluntary defence and a mandatory one thereafter, a rematch in February seems likely. However, Eddie Hearn has voiced concerns to Sky Sports about AJ's prompt return, reports the Express.

He said: "Our concern at the moment is just timing. 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' time. It's quite a fast turnaround."

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He added: "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 are we going to be ready.

"[Joshua] has told me categorically, 'I want the rematch'. But it's just a case of whether he's going to be ready for February, and that's something they're going to have to decide. It's not ruled out. But we do appreciate it's a fast turnaround."

Meanwhile, Frank Warren, promoter for Dubois, has committed to his fighter returning to the ring in February, even if it means facing an alternative opponent. "I'd have that [rematch] in a heartbeat," said