IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois has reiterated his desire for a rematch with Anthony Joshua, even as he gears up to defend his title against New Zealand’s Joseph Parker in February.
Speaking in an interview with Mirgor, Dubois expressed his enthusiasm for revisiting his rivalry with Joshua. “As a fighter, I would love to get in the ring and put the final touches on our rivalry,” Dubois said. “But as it is, I’m just really excited to get out there and defend that belt again. I’m sure a rematch with Joshua could happen in the future, who knows? So yeah, I’m just ready to continue on my journey.”
A Storied Rivalry
Dubois’ interest in a second showdown comes after his emphatic knockout victory over Joshua in September at Wembley Stadium, a bout that sent shockwaves through the boxing world. Despite this setback, Joshua remains a key figure in the heavyweight division and is expected to return to action by May 2024, according to his promoter, Eddie Hearn.
Joshua’s Future Plans
While Dubois aims for a rematch, Joshua’s path remains uncertain. With career earnings exceeding $200 million, the former two-time world champion has several high-profile options to consider. Among them is a potential bout against the winner of the WBC interim title fight between Zhilei Zhang and Agit Kabayel.
WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman recently approved the Zhang-Kabayel matchup, describing it as a key step in determining the heavyweight division’s next big title contender. “The WBC has received a formal request to sanction this fight for the interim title, and we will accept it. We’ve been clear and transparent in supporting the best possible matchups, especially in the heavyweight division,” Sulaiman said.
Calls for a Fury Mega-Fight
Meanwhile, former light-welterweight world champion Amir Khan has urged Joshua to focus on securing a blockbuster fight against WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury. “He should wait for the big fight against Tyson Fury,” Khan told New Zealand Daily. “They’re both such big names, and I think he should call it a day after that.”
A potential Joshua-Fury clash could take place under the Riyadh Season banner, with Saudi Arabian officials reportedly keen to host the event. His Excellency Turki Alalshikh is expected to make a lucrative offer for the fight if Fury fails to reclaim the WBC title from Oleksandr Usyk in December.
The High Stakes Ahead
Joshua’s 2024 campaign has already been financially successful, earning $75 million this year alone, second only to Canelo Alvarez in boxing earnings. His notable paydays include $65 million for his rematch with Andy Ruiz Jr. in Saudi Arabia and over $40 million from his two encounters with Usyk.
With one fight left on his Riyadh Season contract, Joshua faces critical decisions that could reshape the heavyweight division. Whether he pursues a rematch with Dubois, challenges for the WBC interim title, or engages in a mega-bout with Fury, his next move will be pivotal.
For Dubois, the focus remains on defending his title against Parker while keeping the door open for future marquee matchups. As the heavyweight division continues to evolve, fans eagerly anticipate how these storylines will unfold.
