IBF world heavyweight boxing champion Daniel Dubois has articulated his eagerness for a rematch with former two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, highlighting the significance this matchup holds for both fighters. In a recent interview with BoxNation, Dubois confidently declared his readiness to showcase his skills and cement his status as a top contender in heavyweight boxing. He hinted at psychological struggles Joshua might face post-defeat, suggesting that doubts could be clouding Joshua’s mindset. Dubois’s determination to assert himself as the “king” of the division signifies the high stakes of this anticipated encounter, which has garnered significant interest within the boxing community.
Dubois, who is currently focused on his path to the top, also expressed interest in avenging his previous loss to Oleksandr Usyk, should Usyk successfully overcome Tyson Fury in their upcoming rematch. Dubois characterizes the potential fight with Usyk as “unfinished business,” emphasizing that he seeks to correct the previous outcome and emerge victorious. The prospect of a unification clash adds further intrigue, as both Dubois and Usyk are among the elite in the heavyweight division, making a rematch a highly attractive spectacle for boxing fans worldwide.
Last month, Dubois made headlines by delivering a stunning performance against Joshua at Wembley Stadium, where he floored Joshua multiple times before concluding the fight with a decisive right hand. This dramatic bout, witnessed by 98,000 fans, resulted in Joshua’s fourth career loss, marking a pivotal moment in his career and creating a wave of concern among pundits regarding his future in boxing. The unexpected nature of the defeat has fueled discussions about Joshua’s resilience and ability to bounce back from adversity in an already challenging division.
In the aftermath of the loss, Joshua swiftly dispelled rumors about retirement and expressed his intent to persist in his boxing career. His promoter, Eddie Hearn, confirmed the plans for a rematch against Dubois, which will be hosted in the Middle East as part of the Riyadh Season—a festival encompassing various entertainment and sports events. This strategic choice underscores the growing interest in heavyweight boxing outside traditional markets and highlights the increasing global appeal of the sport.
The tentative scheduling of the bout in February has already begun to generate excitement, with both fighters poised to take their careers in new directions. Joshua is keen on regaining championship status, while Dubois aims to solidify his claim as a leading figure in the heavyweight category. Both fighters have notable goals and narratives surrounding this rematch, representing a critical juncture for each athlete on their journey to the top.
Dubois’s remarks about fighting Usyk further demonstrate his ambition and readiness to face the very best in the division. This determination, juxtaposed with Joshua’s desire to reclaim his former glory, sets the stage for a highly competitive environment in heavyweight boxing, where every match can carry significant ramifications. As both fighters work towards their respective aims, the boxing world eagerly anticipates the unfolding drama and competitiveness of these heavyweight bouts in the months to come.
