Daniel Dubois, the IBF world heavyweight champion, is gearing up for a February title defense, but it won’t be against Anthony Joshua. The 27-year-old from Greenwich made headlines in September when he defeated Joshua at Wembley Stadium, knocking him down four times before securing a fifth-round victory. While Joshua initially expressed interest in a rematch, promoter Frank Warren has confirmed that it won’t be happening in early 2025.
Warren stated, “Dan is going to fight in February – I don’t think it will be AJ. By the way, he (Dubois) is the champion so it’s not about what AJ wants to do, it is about what Daniel wants to do.” Warren also mentioned that they are exploring other opponents for Dubois and will announce the details soon. One potential opponent being considered is WBO Interim world champion Joseph Parker, who has been on a winning streak in his recent fights.
The decision to not pursue a rematch with Dubois could be related to Joshua’s focus on facing Tyson Fury for a potentially more lucrative payday, especially if Fury triumphs in his upcoming rematch with Oleksandr Usyk in December. Matchroom Boxing CEO Frank Smith emphasized the importance of Joshua being fully prepared for his next fight, whether it is against Fury or another opponent.
In other boxing news, Battersea middleweight Denzel Bentley is set to take on new British champion Brad Pauls at Wembley’s OVO Arena in December. Bentley, who lost his domestic title in November 2023, will be looking to make a strong comeback in this highly anticipated match. Additionally, Penge cruiserweight Aloys Junior is scheduled to fight Lewis Oakford on the same card, adding more excitement to the upcoming event.
As the boxing world eagerly awaits the next moves of top heavyweight fighters like Dubois, Joshua, and Fury, fans can expect thrilling matchups and significant developments in the sport in the coming months. Stay tuned for more updates on the latest boxing news and events.
