Though a rematch between Daniel Dubois and Anthony Joshua has not yet been officially announced, it does look more likely to happen than not.
Dubois dispatched of Joshua in five rounds at Wembley Stadium last month, making the first defence of his IBF world heavyweight championship in style.
‘AJ’s promoter Eddie Hearn has been adamant his charge wants a second bite at the cherry, despite some observers urging him to go in a different direction – or even call time on his professional career.
If another world title showdown with ‘Dynamite’ is to be next for the Watford man, it will need to take place by April 22, per the IBF rules.
Rule 5.A.2 of the IBF’s regulations regarding the heavyweight division states that “all optional defences, and any and all other bouts, by a champion shall be concluded at least 60 days prior to the date the champion’s mandatory is due.”
Dubois will be informed of his June 21 mandatory in the spring, likely the winner of the recently ordered final eliminator between Agit Kabayel and Martin Bakole.
Though there was early speculation Joshua may forego another domestic dust-up with the 27-year-old and perhaps look towards a fight against the likes of Deontay Wilder of Dillian Whyte, this now seems unlikely.
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π₯ @Carl_Froch reckons @joeboxerparker & Zhilei Zhang should get a shot at Daniel Dubois over @anthonyjoshua π#Boxing #AnthonyJoshua #DanielDubois (via @frochonfighting) pic.twitter.com/9QYxA9bRSv
β Pro Boxing Fans (@ProBoxingFans) October 3, 2024
Matchroom boss Hearn also claimed that Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh is keen on a second fight with Dubois.
“We have a fight with Riyadh Season. One of our options is to fight Daniel Dubois again, and our contract is with them.
“His Excellency [Turki Alalshikh] will deal with Frank and Daniel and make that fight happen. The terms will have to be agreed with them.
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π₯ @Carl_Froch reckons @joeboxerparker & Zhilei Zhang should get a shot at Daniel Dubois over @anthonyjoshua π#Boxing #AnthonyJoshua #DanielDubois (via @frochonfighting) pic.twitter.com/9QYxA9bRSv
β Pro Boxing Fans (@ProBoxingFans) October 3, 2024
“We have already agreed our terms, we have the option to rematch with Dubois.
“Our meetings with His Excellency, he wants the rematch. AJ will always want the rematch.
“Daniel wants the rematch too.
“It’s the biggest fight for him and they will fancy it.”
Dubois’ promoter Frank Warren revealed yesterday that there were other options on the table for his man, however one would imagine a rematch with ‘AJ’ is by far the most lucrative.
