TRENDING

Injury could push Joshua’s next fight to May

The highly anticipated rematch between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois, initially suggested for February, faces uncertainty as concerns arise over the timeline. Joshua, 35, was defeated by Dubois in their first encounter at Wembley last month, with the 27-year-old retaining his IBF world title following a fifth-round knockout.

Dubois dominated the bout, knocking Joshua down in the opening round before sealing the victory. Despite the defeat, Joshua’s desire for a rematch remains strong. However, his promoter, Eddie Hearn, has expressed doubts about Joshua’s readiness to return to the ring so soon. Speaking to Sky Sports, Hearn highlighted the tight schedule, noting, “Our concern at the moment is just timing… If we’re going to fight him in February, we need to start camp in about three weeks’ time. It’s quite a fast turnaround.”

Joshua, known for his disciplined approach, is managing some minor injuries that could further delay preparations. Hearn suggested that a return around May might be more suitable, allowing Joshua more time to recover and train effectively. “From a body perspective, we could probably do with a little bit more time ideally,” Hearn added, emphasizing the challenge of rushing into a high-stakes fight.

Meanwhile, Daniel Dubois and his promoter, Frank Warren, remain committed to a February title defense. Warren indicated a willingness to face other challengers if Joshua is unable to commit to the proposed date. Daniel will defend his title in February, and if it’s not Joshua, then it’ll be against somebody ranked in the top five.”

The situation leaves both camps with decisions to make, with Joshua keen to regain his status as a top contender and Dubois looking to maintain his upward momentum. As fans eagerly await confirmation, the potential rematch could mark a pivotal moment in the careers of both heavyweights, whether it takes place in February or later in the year.