Anthony Joshua is eyeing a potential path toward redemption, with promoter Eddie Hearn confirming that the former heavyweight champion is keen on a rematch against Daniel Dubois.
The interest follows a decisive encounter in September 2024 at Wembley Stadium, where Dubois handed Joshua a fifth-round knockout defeat in a bout that saw the veteran fighter hit the canvas four times.
Despite that setback, Joshua remains focused on his upcoming competitive schedule. Hearn said that Joshua’s professional history is defined by his willingness to face those who have bested him. “He wants to fight Daniel Dubois again. Joshua is a competitive fighter, and he has had rematches with everyone who has beaten him, except Dubois. He wants to try and beat Daniel again and avenge that defeat,” Hearn said.
Before any potential rematch can materialize, Joshua is locked into a high-profile contest against Tyson Fury. The two British stars are scheduled to meet on December 11 at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff. Industry expectations suggest that the World Boxing Association (WBA) may sanction this bout with super-champion status in the heavyweight division.
If Joshua wins against Fury, his future opponents will be undecided. Hearn indicated that the win would likely lead to either an unification bout or a high-stakes meeting with Filip Hrgović. “It’s a dangerous fight, but if he beats Tyson Fury, then why not? This could be a fight for the unification of the titles or a meeting with Filip Hrgović,” Hearn added.
Daniel Dubois, who currently holds the IBF heavyweight title, is reportedly preparing for a return to the ring in February following his recent string of successes. Given the timeline of Joshua’s commitment to the Fury fight, a potential second encounter between the two would unlikely take place before the second half of 2025.
Dubois said he is not prioritizing a specific name, but is instead looking toward the top tier of the division. The champion has expressed a readiness to face whoever emerges from the current title picture, naming both Hrgović and Agit Kabayel as possible future adversaries.
“Any one of them. All the guys who have titles. I can’t move backward – I need to go forward to bigger and better fights. We are ready to wait, but in the meantime, just give me a name and I will prepare,” Dubois said.
The progression of the heavyweight division remains contingent on the outcome of the December 11 event in Cardiff. Both camps are currently focused on their immediate obligations, with further negotiations for future bouts expected to follow the conclusion of the upcoming championship cycle.
