Anthony Joshua’s Next Opponent: Dubois or Wilder?
Daniel Dubois Still Leading Contender for Anthony Joshua’s Next Fight, Says Eddie Hearn
Daniel Dubois remains the top contender to face Anthony Joshua in his next bout, despite a shortlist of five potential opponents being considered for the British-Nigerian heavyweight. This update comes from Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn.
Dubois Still the Frontrunner for Joshua’s Return
“Daniel Dubois still (is the frontrunner). In an ideal world, he will fight Fury, if not Dubois,” Hearn told reporters while discussing Joshua’s return to the ring.
The 35-year-old Joshua has been inactive since his November loss to Dubois, a defeat that put his quest to become a three-time world heavyweight champion on hold. Initially, he was expected to take on Tyson Fury in a highly anticipated matchup, but Fury’s sudden retirement announcement in January disrupted those plans.
Joshua’s Team Weighing Multiple Options
With Fury yet to make a definitive return to the sport, Joshua’s camp is considering other possibilities, including a rematch with Dubois. The 27-year-old was originally scheduled to fight Joseph Parker in February but withdrew due to illness.
“There is also Joseph Parker, who I think would be a great fight, there is Agit Kabayel and Deontay Wilder, obviously (Turki Alalshikh) has stated he would love to see that fight,” Hearn added.
Hearn also mentioned Martin Bakole as an option but admitted that Joshua would likely face criticism for choosing that matchup.
Joshua’s Decision to Skip Immediate Dubois Rematch
Joshua previously opted against an immediate rematch with Dubois, citing injuries and inadequate preparation time. This choice sparked mixed reactions within boxing circles.
Former British boxing star Amir Khan supported Joshua’s decision, saying it was the right call.
“I don’t think he should have taken that rematch. It’s the best choice he’s made,” Khan told Prime Casino.
Khan described Dubois as a challenging opponent for Joshua, noting, “You always have that one opponent who is always going to be the bogeyman, who is always going to beat the style that AJ has, and I think that is Dubois. He was punch perfect when I saw that fight.”
However, Khan acknowledged that Joshua might need to face Dubois again down the line.
“I think he made the right choice by not taking it now, but in the future, it’s still a fight. And even if he never fights him again, he tried, it happened, we’re all prize fighters, and at this time, he can make money elsewhere with an easier opponent,” Khan added.
Other Possible Opponents in the Mix
Among the alternative opponents, Joseph Parker, 33, recently knocked out late replacement Bakole in the first round after Dubois withdrew. Meanwhile, Kabayel, 32, secured the WBC interim title with a win over Zhilei Zhang.
Former WBC champion Deontay Wilder, 39, remains a potential challenger despite consecutive losses to Parker and Zhang. The American is reportedly plotting a comeback, with rumors linking him to a fight against ex-UFC champion Francis Ngannou.
As Joshua’s return plans take shape, all eyes remain on whether Dubois will secure another shot or if another contender will step into the ring with the former champion.
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