Daniel Dubois’ destructive fifth-round finish over Anthony Joshua at Wembley Stadium has triggered a seismic shift in the heavyweight division, sparking conversations surrounding their futures.
In the Immediate aftermath of his fourth professional defeat, former fighters such as Prince Naseem Hamed even called for ‘AJ’ to retire from the sport.
But then, Joshua confirmed is plans to continue fighting by squashing any retirement rumours on social media, and hinted at the possibility of a second encounter with Daniel Dubois.
Seemingly, it would now appear that, according to Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn, the 34-year-old is looking to activate the previously unknown rematch clause with his fellow Brit.
Eddie Hearn says that Turki Alalshikh wants the Daniel Dubois vs Anthony Joshua rematch to happen next
With Dubois retaining his IBF world heavyweight title in devastating fashion last Saturday, he will no doubt be looking to secure an undisputed clash with the winner of Oleksandr Usyk vs Tyson Fury, which takes place on December 21.
In the meantime, though, the 27-year-old may have to collide with Anthony Joshua once again, with boxing power broker Turki Alalshikh expressing an interest in the rematch.
“His Excellency [Alalshikh] will deal with Frank [Warren] and Daniel and make that fight happen,” Joshua’s promoter Hearn told talkSPORT. “The terms will have to be agreed with them.
“We have already agreed our terms, we have the option to rematch with Dubois.
“In our meetings with His Excellency, he wants the rematch. AJ will always want the rematch.
“Daniel wants the rematch too, it’s the biggest fight for him and they will fancy it.
“It was a heavy night at the office, we aren’t going back to fight in 10-12 weeks, [Joshua] needs his rest and time to recover.”
Could we still see a fight between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua take place?
Before speaking with Alalshikh, Hearn had suggested that Joshua should wait for Fury, regardless of whether or not he avenges his defeat to Usyk.
The heavyweight dustup is still, of course, one of the biggest matchups in British boxing, and arguably world boxing.
However, Dubois has earned the opportunity to fight for the ultimate prize in his division and, should it be Fury who wins the rematch, then he deserves every right to call out the ‘Gypsy King.’
And yet, it seems that another hurdle could be placed in front of the Londoner before he is able to enhance his legacy.