Daniel Dubois legitimised his status as world heavyweight champion with an excellent win over Anthony Joshua.
Though entering the ring as the new IBF titleholder, Dubois was underdog to former two-time champ ‘AJ.’ Those odds were upset in the opening round when Joshua was stunned and dropped by a right hand.
Dubois wouldn’t let him recover, knocking him down twice more before a dramatic stoppage in the fifth. Post-fight, a humble Joshua confirmed that he would fight on and talk turned to whether or not that would be in the form of an immediate second fight between the pair.
Speaking to Box Nation, promoter Frank Warren praised his charge, confirming that he would defend his belt again in February 2025. Warren then said that, if it was solely up to him, Joshua would be in the opposite corner.
“It’s up to AJ and providing the money’s right for Daniel. The world is his lobster as they say … They keep saying [AJ] got his tactics wrong. I don’t think it was about tactics, the best fighter won on the night. He got it dead right. The tactics, Don did a brilliant job. Everything worked out as we thought it would work out by putting him on the back foot.
For me in Daniel Dubois’ camp, the rematch is a no brainer … I hope it will [be worked out this week] because February will suddenly be upon us and we want to get that card in shape. All I know is Daniel will be out in February … The other thing you’ve got to look at with AJ is he’s 35, so, you know, s**t or bust.”
Joshua’s team seem to be leaning towards the immediate rematch, too – the opportunity for another world title shot too good to turn down.
