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Hearn Says Joshua Will Return; Could Rematch Dubois

hasib

23 September 2024

Eddie Hearn has said that Anthony Joshua will return next year, as there could be a rematch with Daniel Dubois.

Joshua suffered a shock defeat as he was dropped four times on his way to a fifth-round stoppage loss. The defeat meant Joshua missed out on the chance to become a three-time heavyweight champion with Dubois’ IBF belt. In his post-fight comments, Joshua said he will continue with his fighting career. But there are serious questions about who Joshua would fight next. But Hearn has said that Joshua could rematch Dubois.

Hearn On Joshua

"He never stopped holding on, he never stopped swinging, and we should be proud of him for that performance. No, I don’t think so. He was on a great run. He just got caught so early. [And] he never really got a chance to get into the fight, but even in the circumstances, he almost found a way back in. So, he’ll be gutted, he’ll be kicking himself and will take the rest of the year out, and then you’ll see him back in 2025," Hearn said

Nevertheless, that is unlikely to happen. Dubois is now the A-side. He is in line to face the winner of Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, who face off on December 21. That would give Dubois a bigger purse for the Undisputed Heavyweight Title. Dubois already lost to Usyk the last time around, meaning he could get the chance to avenge that loss if the Ukrainian beats Fury. Dubois had Usyk on the canvas in round five, even if it was declared a low blow, giving the Ukrainian a major scare.

Fury also indicated that he wants to fight Dubois. That fight could play out even if Fury loses to Usyk. They are both promoted by Queensbury’s Frank Warren. The promoter stated that he is reluctant to make that fight. That is understandable since it would be risking two of his best fighters against each other. However, he said he is open to it, and both men wanted that fight. As of now, Fury has given his go-ahead.

Fury vs. Dubois

"He did a very good job – fair play to young Dan. Everyone wrote him off, you know. Coming in, he was the [IBF] champion and everyone treated him like he was a bum. He showed what he is made of. It’s very good for him – fantastic. I thought it was a 50-50 fight [going into it]. Dubois is a lot younger at 27. AJ is 35, like me. Age doesn’t wait for anybody, does it? It is what it is…After I beat Usyk, I’ll fight Dubois. That’s my plan," Fury said

But there is also no guarantee that Joshua will take the rematch. AJ is at the latter end of his career, meaning the focus may have shifted towards making the most money. Joshua has possible fights with Deontay Wilder and Joe Joyce. Those fights are big bouts in their own right. They may not produce as much money as the Dubois rematch. However, Joshua would be the favorite in those fights, giving him a chance to rebuild himself for another title shot.