Frank Warren has changed his mind about the Anthony Joshua vs Daniel Dubois rematch. The boxing promoter doesn't think it'll happen anymore.
Warren's new stance comes after Dubois shocked everyone by knocking out Joshua in their IBF World Heavyweight Championship fight at Wembley Stadium. Joshua, who was the favorite, got knocked down in the first round and only lasted five rounds before Dubois finished him off.
Right after the fight, Joshua was humble in defeat and didn't mention a rematch. But his promoter, Eddie Hearn, was all for it. Warren, who promotes Dubois, also thought it was a good idea at first.
Now, Warren's singing a different tune. He told the Daily Mail:
"I don't believe that when it comes to it Joshua is going to risk taking that fight. Not after being knocked out like that."
The rematch was supposed to happen in February as part of the Riyadh Season card. It would've been another battle between the Matchroom and Queensberry promotions.
Even without Joshua, Dubois will still defend his belt in February. Warren wants him to fight Oleksandr Usyk next.
"Then I would like to see Daniel rematch that defeat by Usyk in a fight I still believe he won with a legal body shot, not a low blow."
Usyk's got his hands full right now. He'll defend his unified titles against Tyson Fury on December 21. Usyk won those titles from Joshua, defended them against Dubois, and then added the WBC belt by beating Fury.
Joshua might wait to see what happens in the Usyk-Fury rematch. If Fury loses again, we might finally get to see the long-awaited Joshua vs Fury fight.
