Anthony Joshua gave a strange answer when asked about the upcoming Oleksandr Usyk vs Daniel Dubois rematch. The former heavyweight champion has fought both men and knows their styles well.
Joshua lost to Usyk twice in 2021 and 2022. Both fights went the full 12 rounds, with Usyk keeping his three belts. Joshua then faced Dubois last September for the IBF title but lost inside five rounds.
Since those fights, Usyk has been busy. He stopped Dubois and then beat Tyson Fury in May 2024 to add the fourth belt to his collection. Now, Usyk and Dubois will fight again. This time, Dubois has been named the IBF Champion, so Usyk has a chance to become undisputed heavyweight champion for the second time.
When iFL TV asked Joshua what he thought about the rematch, he didn't want to say much:
"I think it's going to be good. I think, I've got a few thoughts on it but I don't want to talk on it too much. It's not my fight, it's their fight, I don't want to promote their fight. I don't want to talk about it. Turn the camera off and ask me about it. You're asking me in front of a bright light to put it out in front of the media and promote your channel and the fight and I'm not doing it. It'll be a good fight, good luck to both of them."
Joshua's response comes across as odd, given that he's the only boxer to have faced both men. He seems unwilling to share his thoughts or promote the fight in any way.
As for Joshua's own future, he had elbow surgery earlier this year. He's expected to return to the ring in January 2026. His goal is to face Tyson Fury, but that fight might not happen until 2027.
The Usyk vs Dubois rematch will be an important event in the heavyweight division. Usyk, a former undisputed cruiserweight champion, will look to repeat that feat at heavyweight. Dubois, on the other hand, will try to prove himself after his loss in their first encounter.
