IBF world heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois has expressed his readiness to face former two-time champion Anthony Joshua in their highly anticipated rematch.
In an interview with BoxNation, Dubois said he’s prepared to prove himself.
“He’ll have a lot of demons playing on his mind. Who knows if people are talking him into it; I don’t know. From my side, I’m ready to go out there and show the world that I’m the king,” Dubois stated.
If the rematch with Joshua doesn’t happen, the 27-year-old aims to avenge his defeat to Oleksandr Usyk, should the Ukrainian win his rematch against Tyson Fury in December. “That’s unfinished business. I want to get that one right, finish him properly. It will be a great unification fight, and that’s massive.”
Last month, Joshua’s bid to become a three-time world champion ended dramatically when Dubois dropped him multiple times at Wembley Stadium, culminating in a right-hand knockout in Round 5, handing Joshua his fourth career loss. The defeat shook the boxing world, raising questions about Joshua’s future.
However, Joshua quickly dismissed doubts by confirming he’ll continue boxing. His promoter, Eddie Hearn, has announced that the rematch will take place in the Middle East as part of the Riyadh Season, a festival of sports and entertainment events running from October to March.
Turki Alalshikh, chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, hinted at February as a potential date for the rematch.
Dubois previously fought Usyk in August 2023, briefly knocking the Ukrainian down with what he thought was a body shot. However, it was ruled a low blow, and Usyk eventually won by ninth-round stoppage.
As for Joshua, he’s focused on reclaiming his place at the top and becoming world champion again, recently discussing a heavyweight he claimed he “ruined with one punch.”
