The highly anticipated rematch between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois has been postponed as a result of an injury to the former two-time heavyweight champion.
The rematch was initially scheduled for February 22, following Joshua’s fifth-round KO defeat to Dubois in their September showdown at Wembley Stadium.
Anthony Joshua is counted out by referee Marcus McDonnell during the IBF World Heavyweight Title fight against Daniel Dubois. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, addressed speculation surrounding the injury, assuring fans that it is not a severe setback.
Eddie Hearn, Chairman of Matchroom Sport. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)
“There’s no major injury. Every fighter has niggles in camp, especially when you’re a heavyweight who trains every day and spars really hard. There’s nothing that’s going to be a long-term problem.”
Hearn continued that while Joshua was eager to fight again as soon as February, his camp had to intervene to ensure his full recovery to prevent any risks that could jeopardize his career.
“There’s two or three issues that he had a little bit in camp but also after the fight. He wanted to fight on February 22 but unfortunately, we had to overrule him on this and say no.”
Anthony Joshua sustained significant damage in his previous fight, being knocked down multiple times before Dubois secured the victory.
The former champion, according to Hearn, will likely not return to the ring until summer 2025, allowing ample time for a comprehensive recovery.
The delay has posed challenges for Daniel Dubois, who is eager to defend his IBF title. Dubois’s team, including promoter Barry Hearn, is actively evaluating alternative options, in other to keep Dubois active despite the postponed bout with Joshua.
Barry Hearn stated, “We’re in the Daniel Dubois business. He’s the champion, he’s the guy who matters to me. February is when I want to get him out, and he wants to be out.”
“If you get beaten again by Daniel Dubois you have to seriously consider your future. We got one last chapter in this career that we need to make sure we get 100 percent spot on.”
The rematch holds decision making stakes for Joshua, as another defeat could force him to reconsider his future in boxing.
