Tony Bellew, the former WBC cruiserweight champion, has voiced his strong belief in Anthony Joshua’s resilience and anticipates his return to the ring for a rematch against Daniel Dubois. Despite Joshua’s shocking knockout defeat to Dubois in September at Wembley Stadium, Bellew remains confident in his ability to rebound, emphasizing that as long as Joshua retains his hunger and desire for the sport, a comeback is inevitable. This echoes the sentiment of many boxing analysts who point to Joshua’s proven track record and the inherent unpredictability of boxing as reasons to believe in his potential resurgence.
Bellew’s confidence isn’t solely based on Joshua’s past achievements but also on his astute strategic approach. He advises Joshua to take his time, observe the evolving landscape of the heavyweight division, particularly the outcome of the highly anticipated unification bout between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk scheduled for December 21st in Saudi Arabia, and then make an informed decision in January. This measured approach, Bellew suggests, allows Joshua to enjoy the festive season without the immediate pressure of defining his next move, enabling a more focused and strategic comeback plan in the new year. This waiting period also allows the hype surrounding a potential Dubois rematch to build, further increasing its marketability.
Joshua’s financial security, having earned over $200 million in his career with a staggering $75 million in 2024 alone, provides him the luxury of time and careful consideration. He is not pressured into making hasty decisions driven by financial necessity. This financial independence allows him to prioritize his long-term career goals and select opponents that offer the most compelling narrative and competitive challenge, rather than simply pursuing the biggest payday. This strategic pause further strengthens his position, allowing him to assess the changing dynamics of the heavyweight division and make the most advantageous move when he chooses to return.
Meanwhile, Daniel Dubois, the IBF heavyweight champion, has openly expressed his eagerness for a rematch with Joshua. Despite having a title defense scheduled against Joseph Parker in February, Dubois sees the Joshua rematch as an opportunity to definitively settle their rivalry. This public declaration of intent adds fuel to the narrative of a potential rematch, creating further public interest and potentially driving up the value of the fight. For Dubois, a second victory over Joshua would solidify his position as a dominant force in the heavyweight division and significantly elevate his profile on the global stage.
While Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, has indicated a potential return to the ring no earlier than May 2024, with several options on the table, including a possible clash with the winner of the WBC interim title fight between Zhilei Zhang and Agit Kabayel, Bellew believes Joshua’s primary focus should be the Dubois rematch. He argues that settling the score with Dubois is paramount for Joshua’s career trajectory and offers a more immediate and compelling narrative than pursuing other potential opponents. A rematch victory would not only avenge his previous loss but also re-establish his position as a top contender in the division.
Bellew’s perspective highlights the strategic considerations that underpin Joshua’s potential comeback. While the Fury-Usyk unification bout will undoubtedly reshape the heavyweight landscape, Joshua’s immediate priority, according to Bellew, should be addressing the Dubois defeat. This rematch presents a clear and compelling narrative, offering Joshua the opportunity to avenge his loss and reclaim his position as a leading force in the heavyweight division. The outcome of the Fury-Usyk fight, while significant, is less relevant to Joshua’s immediate future than the opportunity to rectify his recent setback and re-establish his dominance. Focusing on the Dubois rematch serves both as a personal redemption arc and a strategic move to maintain his relevance in the highly competitive heavyweight boxing scene.
