Eddie Hearn says Anthony Joshua will either target a rematch with Daniel Dubois or face Tyson Fury as part of a two-fight plan in 2025.
Hearn, Joshua’s career-long promoter, is exploring options for the 35-year-old, as he looks to make his comeback after a devastating fifth round knockout defeat to Dubois in September, a bout Fury was ringside for.
The Matchroom Chairman already stated that Fury’s only option is a long-awaited battle with ‘AJ’ after his second straight defeat to Oleksandr Usyk earlier this month in Riyadh and admits ‘The Gypsy King’ is one of two options for the Watford man’s return.
“For us there’s only really two fights that we’re interested in,” Hearn told IFLTV.
“Daniel Dubois rematch [and] Tyson Fury.
“He’d love another chance to become world heavyweight champion.
“Now the Fury fight is there. We appreciate it might not be as big as it could have been, but it’s still the biggest fight in boxing.”
‘AJ’ was expected to face Dubois in an immediate rematch, but according to Hearn his charge required more time to recover from injuries sustained in the bout.
Dubois will instead defend his IBF heavyweight world title against Joseph Parker on February 22 in Riyadh and the 27-year-old is already targeting a rematch with Usyk.
Should Hearn fail to secure clashes with either Dubois or Fury, the Essex promoter has not ruled out an alternative opponent.
Asked when Joshua would return, the 45-year-old promoter replied: “May or June.
“He’s not in full training yet. He’s probably ready to resume training in January.
“At the moment, you’ve got the Dubois fight on 22 February, and you’ve got to see what Fury wants to do.
“We’re not in a terrible rush. AJ will fight twice in 2025. Once in the summer and once in the winter.
“If we can’t make the Dubois fight and if Fury doesn’t want to fight, then you have to make the decision to fight somebody, or do you wait for those fights?
“I can’t speak on behalf of AJ, for who he’s prepared to fight.
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“But what I know is the focus is Daniel Dubois or Tyson Fury.
“Of course, he’s done it all.
“If he gets Fury on the resume, he’s boxed virtually absolutely everybody of his era.”
