David Price, the former British heavyweight champion, has endorsed the proposed rematch between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois for the IBF heavyweight title, amidst confirmation from boxing promoter Eddie Hearn regarding the likelihood of the fight taking place in Saudi Arabia. Price articulated this support during an event at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, where he witnessed local fighter Nick Ball successfully defend his WBA featherweight title against Rios. He characterized the rematch as a “win-win” scenario for Joshua, who recently faced a significant setback in his career.
Despite Joshua’s recent loss, which would typically preclude a swift rematch, Price is optimistic about the matchup. He believes Joshua stands to gain significantly, noting that a victory could enable him to amend his prior defeat, while another loss would not diminish his standing in the heavyweight landscape. Dubois is currently riding high on confidence after their previous encounter, having scored multiple knockdowns and securing a decisive fifth-round victory that marked one of the most shocking moments in recent boxing history. Price argues that, regardless of the outcome, Joshua retains several viable pathways for his career, including a potential fight against prominent figures like Tyson Fury or Deontay Wilder.
Last month, the heavyweight division experienced a seismic shift as Joshua struggled against Dubois at Wembley Stadium, where he was met with a raucous crowd of 98,000 spectators. The fight witnessed Joshua being knocked down multiple times before succumbing to a powerful right hand that resulted in his fourth professional loss. This defeat sparked an intense media dialogue about Joshua’s future in boxing, with numerous analysts expressing doubts regarding his position within the sport after such a significant drop from grace.
In the face of this turmoil, Joshua has publicly affirmed his commitment to continue boxing. He seems determined to bounce back from this damaging loss and indicated that the rematch with Dubois is a necessary step toward reclaiming his status in the heavyweight ranks. Promoter Eddie Hearn has confirmed that the Saudi Arabian government is eager to host the rematch as part of Riyadh Season, which is designed to showcase a blend of entertainment and sports events from October through early March.
Price’s assessment of the rematch reflects a broader understanding within the boxing community that Joshua’s legacy and career trajectory are not strictly defined by his recent defeat. Instead, it presents an opportunity for redemption and a chance to reignite Joshua’s path toward championship contention. Dubois, having demonstrated his capabilities in their previous bout, stands as both a formidable challenger and a necessary stepping stone for Joshua’s aspirations.
Ultimately, the anticipation surrounding the Joshua vs. Dubois rematch underscores a critical juncture in heavyweight boxing, with implications that extend beyond just the fighters involved. The event will not only serve as a testament to Joshua’s resilience but may also recalibrate the hierarchy of the heavyweight division, depending on its outcome. As both fighters prepare for the bout, boxing fans and analysts alike are keenly focused on how this encounter will shape the landscape of the sport moving forward.
