by Kunle Balogun-
Anthony Joshua may soon get the chance to avenge his knockout loss to Daniel Dubois, as the landscape of heavyweight boxing shifts once again.
Joshua, a two-time heavyweight champion, suffered a devastating defeat to Dubois last September at Wembley, where “DDD” claimed the IBF title. Now, with Dubois missing out on his shot at Oleksandr Usyk, a rematch between the British rivals could be on the horizon.
Dubois had been set to face Usyk for the undisputed heavyweight crown but was forced to withdraw from his scheduled title defense against Joseph Parker last month. Parker, instead, dominated late replacement Martin Bakole, securing a second-round stoppage victory. While Dubois retained his IBF belt, his pathway to Usyk now appears blocked.
“I was gutted to pull out,” Dubois admitted. “But I had to make the right decision for my health. I’ll be back stronger, and if Joshua wants it, I’m here.”
With Parker now in line to challenge Usyk, Joshua’s team is reportedly exploring a rematch with Dubois for the IBF title.
“We’re looking at all options,” said Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter. “AJ wants the biggest fights, and a Dubois rematch is definitely one that makes sense.”
Joshua, who had been eyeing a showdown with Tyson Fury in 2025, saw those plans disrupted when Fury retired following back-to-back losses to Usyk.
“I’ll fight anyone,” Joshua recently stated. “If Dubois is next, let’s make it happen.”
As the heavyweight division reshuffles, fans could soon witness Joshua and Dubois clash once more in a high-stakes battle for redemption.
