Anthony Joshua finds himself with a big decision to make about his next fight and a potential rematch with Daniel Dubois.
Having lost the first meeting at Wembley Stadium back in September by fifth-round knockout, many worry the same result might befall ‘AJ’ once more if he gets right back in the ring with the young champion.
Initially, Joshua – who has won one previous rematch with Andy Ruiz Jr but lost one with Oleksandr Usyk – was keen on the idea but now his team have said injuries might mean it cannot happen in February, which is when IBF ruler Dubois will next be out.
Deontay Wilder‘s trainer Malik Scott knows a thing or two about rematches having twice seen his man lose them to Tyson Fury.
Speaking to Seconds Out, former heavyweight contender Scott claimed the rematch talk might be more motivated by Joshua’s promoter.
“I truly believe Eddie Hearn has an emotional, compassionate attachment to Anthony Joshua. I could be wrong but if I had to bet on it I bet he do have a connection with him. And I think in the heat of the moment after Dubois knocked Joshua out, Eddie Hearn wanted the rematch more than Joshua.
He then suggested that either way, ‘AJ’ should take the rematch.
“You have to assess what part of your career you’re in. If it was early like Andy Ruiz Jr, I’d say go straight back in. This is the second part of his career but I still say go straight back into it.
Time is of the essence. He’s at the point of his career now where his opposition has to be in the Top 10 and in my opinion, anybody in the Top 10 has a good chance of beating Anthony Joshua right now.
We all get this wear and tear so with that in mind get in the mirror, face your demon and conquer it.”
