topnaijanews latest news headlines, and breaking news
The heavyweight rematch between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois could take place in February, according to a report by The Mirror.
Dubois shocked the boxing world with a fifth-round knockout in their first fight at Wembley Stadium.
He bulldozed Joshua down early in the first round and went on to drop ‘AJ’ three times before sealing a stunning knockout in the fifth round, successfully retaining his IBF title.
As the heavyweight division gears up for Oleksandr Usyk’s clash with Tyson Fury in December, it was initially thought that Dubois might wait for the winner.
However, new developments suggest that a rematch with Joshua is now feasible. Frank Warren, Dubois’ promoter, has indicated that Dubois is set for an early fight next year, with February 22 a possible date in Riyadh.
“I’m not against that at all. That’s not just an open door for me; I’ll take the door off the hinges and we’ll do it. Warren told TNT Sports.
“That fight is there. If they want it, they’ve got it, have it in a heartbeat. His next fight will be in February, and we will work out who that’s going to be in the next week or two.”
Joshua promoter Eddie Hearn also echoed Warren’s position saying that Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh is eager to see Joshua face Dubois again.
“Rematch clauses come in many different forms,” Hearn explained to talkSPORT. “We have a fight with Riyadh Season, and one of our options is to fight Daniel Dubois again. Our contract is with them. His Excellency [Turki Alalshikh] will deal with Frank and Daniel to make that fight happen. The terms will have to be agreed upon with them.”
Hearn further noted, “We have already agreed to our terms and have the option to rematch with Dubois. Our meetings with His Excellency indicate he wants the rematch. AJ will always want it, and Daniel wants it too; it’s the biggest fight for him. The question now is whether we go straight into the rematch, and when it will take place. It was a heavy night at the office, and we aren’t looking to fight in 10-12 weeks; he needs his rest and time to recover.”
