IBF world heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois has voiced his eagerness to face former two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua once more in their much-anticipated rematch, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.
Speaking to BoxNation, Dubois confidently expressed his determination to prove his dominance.
“He’s probably battling a lot of inner demons. Who knows if he’s being persuaded into it; I’m not sure. What I do know is I’m ready to step into the ring and demonstrate to the world that I’m the true king,” Dubois said.
Should the rematch with Joshua not materialize, the 27-year-old has his sights set on redeeming himself against Oleksandr Usyk, provided the Ukrainian emerges victorious in his rematch against Tyson Fury in December.
“That’s unfinished business for me. I want to correct my mistakes, finish the job, and secure a proper victory over him. It will be a great fight, a unification bout that’s monumental,” Dubois added.
Last month, Joshua’s attempt to reclaim his status as a three-time world champion ended in shocking fashion. Dubois knocked him down multiple times in front of 98,000 spectators at Wembley Stadium, ultimately delivering a devastating right hand in the fifth round that handed Joshua his fourth career defeat.
The loss sent ripples through the boxing community, prompting some experts to question Joshua’s future in the sport. However, Joshua quickly dismissed those doubts, affirming his commitment to continue his career.
His promoter, Eddie Hearn, has confirmed that the rematch will take place in Saudi Arabia as part of the Riyadh Season, a festival of entertainment and sports running from October to March.
During a press conference following the Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol fight, Turki Alalshikh, chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, tentatively suggested February as the date for the highly anticipated rematch between Joshua and Dubois.
Dubois previously fought Usyk in August 2023, sending the Ukrainian to the canvas with what he believed to be a body shot, but it was controversially ruled a low blow.
Usyk went on to win via a ninth-round stoppage. Meanwhile, Joshua, seeking to revive his career and regain his world champion status, has recently spoken about a heavyweight opponent whom he claims he “ruined with one punch.”
