Amir Khan, the former British boxing star, has voiced his strong support for Anthony Joshua’s decision to decline an immediate rematch against Daniel Dubois, the current IBF heavyweight champion. Khan believes that Joshua made a shrewd and calculated move by avoiding a swift return to the ring against Dubois, who inflicted a devastating knockout defeat on him in their previous encounter last September. He argues that Dubois represents a stylistic nightmare for Joshua, a “bogeyman” who expertly exploited his vulnerabilities in their first fight. Khan contends that while a future rematch with Dubois might be inevitable, Joshua should prioritize rebuilding his confidence and maximizing his earning potential by facing less challenging opponents in the meantime.
Khan’s assessment of the Dubois fight highlights the significant stylistic mismatch that proved to be Joshua’s undoing. He describes Dubois as “punch perfect,” suggesting that his style was tailor-made to counter Joshua’s approach. The brutal fifth-round stoppage loss at Wembley not only derailed Joshua’s aspirations of reclaiming a world heavyweight title but also exposed flaws in his game that Dubois ruthlessly exploited. By opting out of an immediate rematch, Joshua has avoided the risk of further damage to his confidence and reputation, allowing him time to regroup and reassess his strategy.
Khan’s advice to Joshua centers on the pragmatic realities of professional boxing. While acknowledging the importance of eventually facing Dubois again to avenge the loss, he emphasizes the financial benefits of pursuing more manageable opponents. In the current heavyweight landscape, where lucrative fights are scarce, Khan believes Joshua should capitalize on opportunities to secure substantial purses against opponents who pose a lesser threat. This strategic approach would allow Joshua to rebuild his momentum, regain his confidence, and potentially set up a more favorable rematch against Dubois in the future.
The heavyweight division’s current state of flux further complicates Joshua’s path back to a title shot. Tyson Fury’s supposed retirement has created uncertainty at the top of the division, leaving fewer clear-cut opportunities for marquee matchups. With Dubois potentially moving on to an undisputed title fight against Oleksandr Usyk, Joshua’s options appear limited. The most likely immediate opponent seems to be Joseph Parker, the WBO Interim Champion, who has expressed interest in a rematch with Joshua. However, this fight lacks the same allure and potential financial rewards as a clash with Dubois or another top-ranked contender.
Joshua’s decision to decline the immediate rematch signifies a shift in his career trajectory. He is no longer chasing immediate redemption but instead prioritizing long-term strategic planning. This approach requires carefully selecting opponents, rebuilding confidence, and maximizing financial gains. While the allure of a rematch against Dubois remains, Joshua seems to be adopting a more calculated approach, recognizing the need to address his vulnerabilities before stepping back into the ring with such a dangerous opponent.
The heavyweight division is a dynamic and ever-changing landscape, and Joshua’s future remains uncertain. However, by heeding Khan’s advice and adopting a more pragmatic approach, Joshua can position himself for future success. He can rebuild his standing in the division, secure lucrative fights, and eventually set the stage for a potential rematch against Dubois, albeit on his own terms and with a refined strategy. For now, the focus is on rebuilding, recalibrating, and maximizing opportunities in a division fraught with challenges and uncertainty.
