Anthony Joshua’s upcoming rematch with Daniel Dubois is facing potential delays as concerns regarding the planned February date have come to light. Promoter Eddie Hearn expressed that the quick turnaround following Joshua’s previous bout could be risky for his readiness to fight again so soon. Joshua experienced a tough knockout loss to Dubois at Wembley, where he was dropped four times before being finished in the fifth round. The initial excitement surrounding a rematch set for Saudi Arabia in February seems to be waning due to timing issues and the need for Joshua to recuperate adequately.
Hearn pointed out the complexities of quick recoveries in professional boxing, noting that Joshua is dealing with some minor physical niggles that require attention. Such injuries may prevent him from resuming full training for several weeks. According to Hearn, for Joshua to be prepared for a fight in February, training would need to start within the next three weeks, which he believes is a tight schedule. Joshua himself has displayed a genuine desire to fight Dubois again, but the current circumstances make the proposed timeline difficult to navigate.
While the February date hasn’t been completely ruled out, Hearn has suggested that a later date in May might provide a more realistic timeline for Joshua’s recovery and training regimen. He noted that from a physical perspective, it would be beneficial to allow Joshua more time to prepare, letting him enter the ring at his best. Hearn is weighing the possibility of a postponement carefully, voicing the importance of ensuring that Joshua is fully fit and ready before stepping back into the ring.
Joshua’s willingness to reclaim a victory against Dubois remains steadfast, but Hearn emphasized the necessity of making swift decisions regarding the fight timetable. He mentioned that Joshua has made it clear to him that he is eager for the rematch; however, the reality of time constraints means that evaluating Joshua’s fitness will play a crucial role in finalizing the match date. The fight holds significant importance, but Hearn has acknowledged the risks inherent in rushing Joshua’s return to competitive fighting.
Complicating the situation further is the potential opportunity for Joshua to face heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, should Fury emerge victorious against Oleksandr Usyk in their rematch scheduled for December 21. Fury’s recent loss to Usyk in their title decider has heightened the anticipation of their upcoming fight, and a win for Fury would bring forth lucrative match possibilities for Joshua. Hearn has not ruled out the allure of bypassing Dubois for a more significant fight against Fury, framing it as a strategic decision that could redefine Joshua’s career trajectory.
As it stands, the decision regarding the February rematch with Dubois hangs in the balance. Hearn’s insight reflects a delicate balancing act between ensuring Joshua’s health and capitalizing on potentially more lucrative fights in the future, particularly against heavyweight rivals like Fury. Ultimately, the dynamics of upcoming fights and Joshua’s recovery will shape the landscape of heavyweight boxing in the upcoming months, leaving fans eagerly awaiting updates on when they can expect to see Joshua back in the ring, either against Dubois or potentially in a high-stakes bout with Fury.
