Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has announced that two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua will face either Daniel Dubois or Tyson Fury in his next fight.
Joshua’s recent attempt to reclaim his status as a three-time world champion ended in a surprising defeat to Dubois last month at Wembley Stadium, where he was knocked down multiple times before succumbing to a decisive right hand in Round 5. This marked Joshua’s fourth career loss, and he is now focused on getting back on track.
A rematch with Dubois is being considered for February 22, 2025, but Hearn has not dismissed the possibility of a high-profile clash with Tyson Fury. “It’s strange to say it after a knockout defeat, but AJ is actually in a good position,” Hearn told BBC Sport. “We’re going to fight Dubois or Fury next. That’s it. No other interest or warm-up.”
Fury, who has long been anticipated as a potential opponent for Joshua, is scheduled to face unified champion Oleksandr Usyk on December 21 after losing to him in May. Meanwhile, Frank Warren, Dubois’s promoter, confirmed that Dubois is likely to fight on the proposed date of February 22, but he expressed concerns about Joshua’s readiness for the bout.
“AJ desperately wants revenge, but timing is an issue,” Warren said. “For the rematch to happen in February, training camp would need to start soon, and there are always physical considerations.”
Hearn indicated that Joshua might opt to wait for the outcome of Fury’s rematch with Usyk. “It would be frustrating if we arranged the Dubois rematch and Fury won,” he noted. “Then we would be in a situation where we’re fighting Dubois when we could have faced Fury in May for the biggest fight in boxing. Win or lose, we can face Fury next summer. If he wins, AJ will fight him for the world title.”
