Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has revealed that British heavyweight star Anthony Joshua will face either Daniel Dubois or Tyson Fury in his next bout. This comes after Joshua’s recent defeat, where Dubois secured a stunning victory at Wembley Stadium, witnessed by a crowd of 98,000 fans.
The loss marked Joshua’s fourth career defeat, and it happened after Dubois dropped him multiple times before landing a decisive right-hand punch in the fifth round, ending Joshua’s hopes of reclaiming the world title.
Joshua, a two-time heavyweight champion, is now determined to get his career back on track. A rematch with Dubois is being planned for February 22, 2025, as part of his effort to return to the top of the division and regain his status as a world champion.
While the fight with Dubois is a likely option, Hearn has also opened the door for a possible clash with Tyson Fury, adding excitement to Joshua’s future in the sport.
“It’s weird saying it after a knockout defeat, but AJ is actually in a really good position,” Hearn said in an interview with BBC Sport. “We’re going to fight Dubois or Fury next. That’s it. No other interest or warm-up.”
Tyson Fury, who has been linked to a potential superfight with Joshua for years, is set to face Oleksandr Usyk in a rematch on December 21, 2024, after losing to Usyk earlier this year. Should Fury win, it could set the stage for a blockbuster bout between Joshua and Fury next year.
Frank Warren, Dubois’ promoter, confirmed that Dubois is ready for the February date but questioned whether Joshua would be fully prepared in time. “AJ desperately wants revenge, but the only issue is timing,” Warren stated, adding that Joshua would need to begin training soon to be ready for the fight.
If the rematch with Dubois goes ahead and Fury wins his bout against Usyk, Hearn hinted that Joshua may instead focus on facing Fury for what could be the biggest fight in boxing next summer. He said, “Win or lose, we can fight Fury next summer. But if he wins, AJ fights him for the world title.”
