Joshua could wait for Fury vs Usyk 2 result
Eddie Hearn has suggested that although Anthony Joshua is pushing for an immediate rematch with Daniel Dubois, February might come a little too soon for him to be fully recovered and prepared. Joshua wants to get straight back into camp, but Hearn appears cautious about committing to a date until he is certain Joshua is physically ready for the demands of a full training schedule. Right now he is considering whether to move ahead with the rematch or wait until the summer, especially with the Tyson Fury versus Oleksandr Usyk rematch taking place on December 21st. The result of that fight could completely reshape Joshua’s next move, and Hearn has hinted that a decision will be made within the next few weeks, something he has been saying since Joshua’s fifth round stoppage loss to Dubois in September. With such a major heavyweight event just around the corner, it is no surprise that Hearn is waiting to see how the division settles before committing Joshua to anything.
Reading between the lines, Hearn’s comments make it clear that a potential showdown with Fury is very much in play for Joshua, and it is easy to understand why. Dubois is younger, fresher and extremely heavy handed, making a rematch a dangerous assignment for a 35 year old Joshua who took significant damage in their first meeting. A fight with Fury, even if Fury loses again to Usyk, would still be a huge event and could be the smarter career move both financially and strategically. Hearn told iFL TV that Joshua wants the Dubois rematch, but the real question is whether he can realistically be ready by February given the short turnaround and the need for a full, intense camp. He admitted they are torn between pushing for February or waiting until the summer, but it is obvious they are keeping a close eye on the Fury Usyk situation before making any commitments.
Joshua’s choices are straightforward. He can either go straight into a rematch with Dubois or hold out for a massive fight with Fury if Fury comes out on top on December 21st. Hearn has already made it clear that Joshua has no interest in warm up fights and wants to go straight into the biggest challenges available. Taking an interim bout would not make much sense, especially after the damage he took in the Dubois fight and the questions that loss raised about his durability. Hearn put it plainly when speaking to Sky Sports, saying that Joshua wants to avenge the defeat but the team must decide whether he can be physically ready for February. He admitted the turnaround is fast and that they will need to make a decision soon.
On the other side, Dubois promoter Frank Warren has already stated that if the rematch does not happen early in 2025, Dubois will move on. Warren made it clear that Dubois is the champion and any rematch will be on his terms. If Joshua is not ready, Dubois will face another top contender in February and could be looking at an undisputed title shot by the end of 2025. Warren added that Dubois would welcome a rematch with Joshua, but only when the timing suits the champion.
