IBF world heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois (22-2, 21 KOs) plans to return to the ring in February. One of the options for DDD is a rematch with Anthony Joshua (28-4, 25 KOs). However, AJ's promoter Eddie Hearn would prefer to see his protégé in a blockbuster clash with Tyson Fury (34-1-1, 24 KOs).
"I think the next step will be the most important step in AJ's career. He, as we know from Ruiz and Usyk, probably wants only one thing - a rematch with Daniel Dubois," the head of Matchroom Boxing told DAZN. - "Our contract with Season Riyadh includes the possibility of a rematch. Daniel Dubois would have no problem with that rematch because he just knocked out Joshua and it would be the biggest fight for him. But do we want a rematch? Is it a good move?"
"AJ's emotions and his warrior pride aside, wouldn't it be better to wait until December 21 and see how Tyson Fury behaves, or fight Daniel Dubois right away? Daniel Dubois will probably box in February. Will we be ready for the fight in February? Will it be the right move for us? In my opinion, we should fight Tyson Fury before it's too late. I said to AJ recently: you have one to three fights left. And then he stopped talking. He understood. He doesn't want to quit yet. He likes to box. But as a team, we have to make sure he leaves at the right time. Before the regression in the gym becomes noticeable, before the sparring starts going badly, before he gets hooked on it. That's not happening right now - this has been one of his best training camps. If Tyson Fury loses to Oleksandr Usyk, I'd advise the two to fight each other twice in 2025 and then sail off into the sunset - may the strongest man win. But if Fury beats Usyk, AJ can fight him for world titles," Hearn said.
