Potential date set for Anthony Joshua vs Daniel Dubois 2 as rematch 'agreed' (original) (raw)

Boxing fans won't have to wait long to see the rematch between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois as 'AJ' looks to avenge his crushing defeat to the IBF champion

Daniel Dubois knocked out Anthony Joshua in the fifth round

The heavyweight rematch between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois seems increasingly likely and could take place in February.

Dubois was a huge underdog coming into the first contest at Wembley Stadium, but came out guns blazing, with Joshua unable to deal with the champion's power and speed. Just moments into the opening round, Dubois had sent Joshua tumbling, and it would only get worse for 'AJ.' The Brit went on to drop Joshua three times before securing a sensational knockout in the fifth round to retain his IBF title.

The next big fight in the heavyweight division is Oleksandr Usyk's clash against Tyson Fury in December. It looked likely that Dubois would wait for the winner, however, it would appear a rematch with Joshua seems more realistic. Frank Warren, Dubois promoter, has revealed that 'Dynamite's' next fight will take place early next year and is very much open to the rematch between the two heavyweight giants with February 22 pencilled in for a fight card in Riyadh.

When quizzed about a rematch between the pair, Warren told TNT Sports: “I'm not against that at all. That's not an open door for me, I'll take the door off the hinges and we'll do it. That fight is there. If they want it, they've got it, have it in a heartbeat. His next fight will be in February. That's when he'll fight next, and we will work out who that’s going to be in the next week or two weeks.”

Warren isn't the only one who is chomping at the bit to see a second fight. Fellow promoter Eddie Hearn has revealed Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh intends to see Joshua take on Dubois again. "Rematch clauses come in many different forms," Hearn told talkSPORT. "We have a fight with Riyadh Season. One of our options is to fight Daniel Dubois again, and our contract is with them. His Excellency [Turki Alalshikh] will deal with Frank and Daniel and make that fight happen. The terms will have to be agreed with them.

"We have already agreed our terms, we have the option to rematch with Dubois. Our meetings with His Excellency, he wants the rematch. AJ will always want the rematch. Daniel wants the rematch too it's the biggest fight for him and they will fancy it. It is a case of going away and talking about, do we go straight into the rematch? And when will it be? It was a heavy night at the office, we aren't going back to fight in 10-12 weeks, he needs his rest and time to recover."

Joshua and Hearn confirmed immediately after the main event on Saturday that the intention was to pursue a sequel. Many senior figures in the sport of boxing have suggested 'AJ' should consider retiring. However, the Brit is confident that he still has a lot more to give and that he can become a three-time heavyweight champion.

As for Dubois, in a recent interview with talkSPORT, the Brit revealed he will accept the fight that offers him the most money next. "I would love a rematch but either one really, whoever pays me more money," he said. 'Dynamite' added that if the rematch with Joshua wasn't imminent, he'd certainly consider the bout in the future. "Yeah, if that happens down the line then yes. I want to do even better next time. I know where I need to improve as well, so as a champion and a fighter I want to prove people wrong every time and that's what we have been doing."

When asked if he'd do a better job on Joshua, Dubois said: "I think so. I think I would. I think I'd be a lot better than that. It was a great show and it was a great Rocky-type fight, but next time I believe I'll be more clinical, more sharp, everything better."