Anthony Joshua's plans for a quick return to the ring have hit a snag. The former two-time heavyweight world champion wanted to rematch Daniel Dubois in February, but medical concerns have pushed that fight back to May or June.
Joshua lost to Dubois in September, getting stopped inside five rounds. It was another setback for AJ, who's had a rough few years. He lost his belts to Andy Ruiz Jr in a big upset, though he got them back six months later. Then Oleksandr Usyk beat him twice in a row, taking away his champion status.
Eddie Hearn, Joshua's promoter, told Boxing News about the delay.
"AJ's next fight may well be against Daniel Dubois, but it won't be on February 22nd. We had a very awkward call with AJ's medical team, 258, Ben Davison, and he wanted to fight on February 22nd but basically he was told there is no way he can start camp and be 100% for February 22nd physically."
Hearn explained that Joshua has a few minor issues from his last fight and training camp. The medical team, his management, and his trainer all agreed he needs more time to heal up.
"There is nothing major, two or three issues, a little bit in camp but also the fight. They said he needs to come back in May, June. He didn't want to do it but we had to overrule him on this."
Joshua really wants this rematch with Dubois. But his team knows how important it is for him to be 100% ready, both physically and mentally.
"We said we can't afford not to get this right, you get beaten by Daniel Dubois and you have to seriously consider your career. We've got one chapter than we need to get 100% spot on. Whenever he comes back he has to be physically and mentally perfect. He wants to rematch Daniel Dubois so bad."
The heavyweight division has moved on without Joshua. Oleksandr Usyk is now the undisputed king after beating Tyson Fury in May. Some experts, like former champ Lennox Lewis, think we've seen the best of Joshua already. Lewis believes AJ would have a hard time beating Dubois in a rematch.
For now, Joshua will have to be patient. His team wants to make sure he's fully recovered and in top form before he steps back into the ring. The boxing world will be watching to see if he can bounce back from these recent setbacks.
