Amir Khan has given his verdict on Anthony Joshua chasing a rematch withDaniel Dubois.
The pair met back in September when Joshua was attempting to become a three-time world heavyweight champion. He had rebuilt with four wins after coming off back-to-back losses to Oleksandr Usyk, which left him without any belts.
However, disaster struck early when he was hurt badly by the powerful Dubois. ‘AJ’ was eventually knocked out in the fifth. Though an immediate rematch was discussed, Joshua’s team opted against it due to him having ‘niggling injuries’ and not enough time to prepare for a touted February date. IBF Champion ‘DDD’ moved on.
He was set to fight Joseph Parker on February 22 but fell ill and withdrew, and rumour has it that he is now more likely to rematch Usyk for his shot at undisputed.
Joshua remains without a dance partner, with Tyson Fury in retirement and no clear run at a title. Promoter Eddie Hearn has been clear that his man still wants to rematch Dubois, particularly while he holds onto the belt.
Speaking to Prime Casino, however, fan favourite Brit Khan says ‘AJ’ was right not to have jumped back in with Dubois and believes he should forget it entirely.
“I don’t think he should have taken that re-match. It’s the best choice he’s made. I think it’s a brilliant choice. It’s a smart move because you know AJ can fight anyone and he’ll sell out the arena and make a ton and tons of money.
“So he’s smart by not taking that fight but one day he might have to take that fight to beat them cobwebs and leave that bad dream and overcome that. 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.
“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.”
As for immediate options should the Usyk vs Dubois undisputed fight go ahead, WBO Interim Champion Parker has said he is more than happy to face Joshua again.
