Boxing fans worldwide are bracing for another blockbuster bout between British heavyweights Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois, as the rematch between the two giants is tentatively set for February 2024. The clash, which promises to be a significant moment in modern heavyweight boxing, will be part of the Riyadh Season, an entertainment and sports festival that takes place annually in Saudi Arabia from October to March.
Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, confirmed the timing of the rematch while speaking after the press conference for the Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol fight. Alalshikh hinted at a massive card that could feature rival promoters Queensberry Promotions and Matchroom Boxing going head-to-head in an epic night of heavyweight contests. The rematch between Dubois, the current IBF heavyweight champion, and Joshua, the former two-time heavyweight champion, will be one of the key highlights.
“See in February again, Queensberry against Matchroom, 5 vs. 5, we will finish it maybe this week with a big surprise,” Alalshikh told *Sky Sports*, emphasizing that Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a premier venue for mega-fights. “Joshua, Dubois, Tyson, Usyk — everyone, everyone on the line. This is what we want. We want the big fights and to see who’s really the best fighter in each division.”
The rematch comes on the heels of a stunning upset that occurred just a month ago at Wembley Stadium. Joshua, seeking to become a three-time world champion, was unexpectedly stopped by Dubois in the fifth round in front of a packed crowd of 98,000. Dubois floored Joshua multiple times throughout the contest, with the final blow being a devastating right hand that sent the former champion sprawling on the canvas. The knockout handed Joshua his fourth career loss and raised questions about his future in the sport.
Joshua’s defeat sent shockwaves through the boxing world, especially given his reputation as one of the most formidable fighters in the heavyweight division. Pundits and analysts had largely expected the experienced Joshua to prevail over the younger, less-experienced Dubois. But Dubois, known for his raw power and aggressive style, caught Joshua off guard, landing hard shots early in the fight and keeping the former champion on the defensive. Many pointed to Joshua’s inability to effectively respond to Dubois’ pressure as the key factor in his downfall.
Frank Warren, Dubois’ promoter, expressed confidence in his fighter’s performance and the prospect of a rematch. “It’s all about styles,” Warren told *Sky Sports*. “With AJ, you’ve got to put him on the back foot, and that’s what Daniel did. He put him on the back foot early on, and that set the pattern for the fight. I think the fourth round was pivotal when AJ caught Daniel with an uppercut, but Daniel took it well, and we saw what happened in Round 5.”
Following the defeat, speculation began to mount about whether Joshua would retire or continue his career. However, the British boxing star quickly dispelled rumors of an early exit from the sport, vowing to come back stronger. His promoter, Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing, also confirmed that Joshua is determined to seek redemption against Dubois, with Saudi Arabia being the chosen venue for the rematch.
“Joshua is still fully committed to his career and has the fire to come back from this loss,” Hearn said. “We’re looking at February as part of the Riyadh Season, and this fight will be massive. It’s do or die for AJ, and he knows what’s at stake.”
The rematch offers Joshua an opportunity to regain not only his pride but also a chance to re-enter the conversation as one of the top heavyweights in the world. A victory would help restore his position among the elites, while another loss could further damage his legacy and raise questions about his long-term future in the sport. For Dubois, the rematch represents a chance to solidify his status as a legitimate world champion. A win over Joshua would cement his place at the top of the division and potentially lead to unification fights with the likes of Tyson Fury or Oleksandr Usyk.
The Joshua-Dubois rematch is just one of the marquee events set to take place as part of Riyadh Season, which has become a cornerstone for Saudi Arabia’s growing ambition to become a global sports and entertainment hub. The event has already drawn significant attention with the announcement of the highly anticipated clash between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury in December 2024, a fight that will unify the heavyweight division.
Saudi Arabia’s commitment to hosting world-class boxing events has attracted praise and criticism alike. Supporters argue that the country is helping to elevate the sport by providing a stage for the biggest names to compete, while detractors raise concerns about the nation’s human rights record and the role of money in driving these major bouts to the Middle East.
Regardless of the controversy, one thing is clear: Saudi Arabia is now a major player in the boxing world. With massive financial backing, the kingdom is attracting some of the sport’s most iconic figures and creating a new era for heavyweight boxing.
As the boxing world eagerly awaits the outcome of Usyk vs. Fury in December, all eyes will soon turn to the Joshua-Dubois rematch. Both fighters have everything to fight for — Joshua, in his quest for redemption, and Dubois, in his bid to establish himself as the future of the heavyweight division. February 2024 promises to be another unforgettable night of heavyweight boxing, and Riyadh is set to host yet another historic chapter in the sport’s rich history.
