After some time reflecting on his devastating knockout loss to Daniel Dubois, former unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has decided to accept a rematch with Dubois. The fight is now in the works for a main event in Saudi Arabia, a growing hotspot for marquee boxing events. Joshua's decision to face Dubois again after such a quick turnaround is surprising to many, given the array of other options available to him. After all, Joshua remains one of the biggest names in heavyweight boxing, particularly in the UK, where his bouts have drawn massive crowds and lucrative pay-per-view figures.
Joshua could have pursued a host of other high-profile fights. He was heavily linked with a blockbuster showdown against former WBC champion Deontay Wilder, a bout that fans have been clamoring for over the past few years. Alternatively, he could have reignited interest in a long-awaited British super fight against Tyson Fury, the current WBC heavyweight champion. Despite negotiations for this fight repeatedly falling through, a Joshua-Fury clash remains one of the most commercially appealing matchups in boxing. Joshua might have even considered a trilogy bout with Oleksandr Usyk, the man who dethroned him and claimed his unified titles. A rematch against any of these names would have guaranteed Joshua a substantial payday and cemented his place on the global boxing stage.
So why, then, did Joshua opt for a rematch with Dubois, especially after being knocked out in the first encounter? Many see this decision as a risk, as Dubois, though younger and less experienced, proved to be a formidable opponent. Joshua could have taken more time to recover from the loss and reassess his career trajectory, perhaps choosing a lower-stakes tune-up fight to rebuild his confidence. Instead, he seems eager to erase the memory of his knockout defeat by facing Dubois again. This decision may be driven in part by Joshua’s pride and competitive spirit, qualities that helped him rise to the top of the heavyweight division but have also placed him in difficult situations in recent years.
Critics of Joshua’s decision point to his recent struggles with mental fortitude in the ring. Since his shocking loss to Andy Ruiz Jr. in 2019, which also came via knockout, Joshua has appeared hesitant and cautious in his performances. While he avenged the Ruiz defeat in the rematch, some observers noted that he seemed more concerned with avoiding another knockout than with dominating his opponent. Similar questions were raised after his back-to-back losses to Usyk, where Joshua's hesitance to fully engage arguably cost him the chance to reclaim his titles. By choosing to face Dubois so soon after his knockout defeat, Joshua risks compounding these issues. If he loses again, particularly in a similar fashion, his reputation as an elite heavyweight could be severely damaged, perhaps irreparably.
On the other hand, the rematch offers a tantalizing opportunity for Dubois. At 26 years old, Dubois is widely considered one of the most promising young heavyweights in the sport. His power and aggression make him a dangerous opponent for anyone in the division, as Joshua learned firsthand. A second victory over Joshua would validate Dubois as a legitimate title contender and propel him into the upper echelon of heavyweight boxing. For Dubois, this fight is not just about solidifying his own credentials but also about proving that his win over Joshua was no fluke.
As negotiations for the fight continue, the stakes couldn’t be higher for both men. Joshua will be fighting not just to avenge his loss but to restore his standing in the sport. For Dubois, it’s an opportunity to further his career and perhaps set the stage for a world title shot in the near future. While the fight is expected to draw massive interest, especially in Saudi Arabia, the outcome will likely have long-term implications for the trajectory of both fighters' careers. Fans are left wondering whether Joshua will rise to the occasion and reclaim his former glory, or if Dubois will once again prove to be his downfall. Only time
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