Eddie Hearn expects Anthony Joshua to target a rematch against Daniel Dubois following his devastating knockout loss at Wembley Stadium.
Joshua was repeatedly overwhelmed by Dubois’ ferocious attacks before being stopped by an explosive right punch in the fifth round.
The defining moment came just seconds after Joshua thought he had wobbled Dubois and made an opening, when Dubois stunned Wembley Stadium with a powerful fightback that sent the former unified world champion to the canvas.
In doing so, Dubois will celebrate the biggest win of his career in front of a sellout crowd of 96,000 and cement his status as IBF World Heavyweight Champion.
“he [Joshua] “I think he’ll exercise his rematch clause, that’s a given,” Matchroom CEO Hearn said after the fight. “He’ll need some rest and it’s a dangerous fight. His confidence is growing all the time.”
“I think he believes he can hurt Dubois, I think he believes he can beat him, but credit goes to Daniel Dubois. He deserves all the credit. It was a great performance.”
At the post-fight press conference, Hearn made his position on the rematch clear.
“There’s the Riyadh Season and another fight with Turki Al-Sheikh and Daniel Dubois is also part of the plans, but also Tyson Fury and other heavyweights could be on the cards,” Hearn said.
“I think 2025 is going to be an interesting year for Anthony Joshua one way or another. He’ll definitely be back and whether he fights Daniel Dubois, Tyson Fury or whoever it is, the crowds will enjoy it.”
Joshua was knocked down by a powerful overhand right from Dubois in the first round and never fully recovered, enduring blow after blow in a raucous Wembley atmosphere.
“That was the first round. After that, he fought with heart and will. He never gave up, his legs were deceiving him but he kept trying so I’m very proud of him,” Hearn said.
“This is what happens when you fight someone with a hard punch. He didn’t get up until the end, but he didn’t stop trying.”
“Daniel deserves all the credit. He is a true world champion. Congratulations.”
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Joshua admits he made a lot of mistakes, but this isn’t the end of his boxing career.
Joshua was gracious in defeat, praising Dubois for the best performance of his career and vowing to return.
“Thank you to him and his team. We rolled the dice and we fell short,” Joshua said in his post-fight interview.
“As you all know, I am ready to step into the ring, but I will remain calm, professional and respectful of my opponent.
“I always tell myself I’m a warrior for life…we keep rolling the dice.”
“They were sharp and fast and I made a lot of mistakes, but that was the game.”
Joshua’s defeat casts further doubt over the prospects of a rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury in Saudi Arabia later this year.
Dubois, just 27 years old, will also be looking to avenge his loss to the Ukrainian great and will likely have his sights set on Usyk.
Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois to face off again in heavyweight bout Sky Sports Box Office Sunday, September 22nd at 8am and 5pm. Pre-order the Joshua vs. Dubois rematch now!
