The rematch between IBF world heavyweight boxing champion Daniel Dubois and former two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is getting closer, with Turki Alalshikh, chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, indicating February as a tentative date.
Alalshikh made this announcement after the Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol press conference on Saturday night. He mentioned that a significant fight card is being organized that will feature rival promoters Queensberry and Matchroom.
“Look for a showdown in February, with Queensberry going up against Matchroom, 5 vs. 5. We expect to finalize this week with a big surprise. Then we’ll see the outcome of the major fight on December 21 between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury,” Alalshikh told Sky Sports. “Joshua, Dubois, Tyson, Usyk—all of them will be in the mix. We want the big fights to determine who the best fighter is in each division.”
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Last month, Joshua’s attempt to reclaim his status as a three-time world champion ended unexpectedly when Dubois knocked him down several times at Wembley Stadium in front of 98,000 fans, ultimately landing a crushing right hand in Round 5 that left Joshua down for the fourth time in his career. The loss sent shockwaves through the boxing community, prompting some pundits to question Joshua’s future in the sport.
In response to speculation about his career, Joshua pledged to continue boxing, with his promoter confirming that the rematch will take place in the Middle East as part of Riyadh Season, a festival featuring entertainment and sports events from October to early March.
Frank Warren, Dubois’ promoter with Queensberry, expressed enthusiasm for the rematch. “It’s all about styles, and with AJ, you have to put him on the back foot, which is exactly what Daniel did,” Warren said. “That first jab snapped Joshua’s head back and set the tone for the fight. I think it was in the fourth round when he caught Daniel with an uppercut—that was his most significant punch. But AJ is vulnerable when he trades; once he throws that punch, he can be countered, and that’s what happened.”
Eddie Hearn, who promotes Joshua with Matchroom, previously stated, “I believe the rematch will be part of Riyadh Season. The season runs from October until late February or early March, so any fights during that timeframe will take place in Riyadh. Yes, it will be part of Riyadh Season if it happens.”