British promoter Eddie Hearn has confirmed that Anthony Joshua won’t return to the ring until at least May next year, effectively ruling out a February rematch with IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois.
Joshua, a former two-time heavyweight champion, was knocked down four times by Dubois before being stopped in the fifth round at Wembley in September. Following this defeat, a rematch was originally aimed for February 22. However, while explaining the impact of Joshua’s recent injuries, Hearn revealed that the proposed date was too soon for Joshua to be in peak condition.
“We had a tough conversation,” Hearn told *Boxing News*. “Joshua wanted to fight on February 22 but was advised he couldn’t be 100 percent ready physically for that date. There’s nothing serious, but he has a few minor issues from training and after the fight. So, they’ve recommended a comeback in May or June, which he didn’t want to hear, but we had to overrule him to make sure he’s fully ready.”
Hearn stressed the importance of Joshua’s recovery, stating, “If he gets beaten again by Dubois, he’ll need to seriously consider his future. This last chapter in his career needs to be perfect, so when he comes back, he must be 100 percent ready physically and mentally. He wants the rematch with Dubois badly.”
Hearn further clarified that Joshua’s injuries aren’t major: “It’s just typical wear-and-tear for a heavyweight who trains and spars intensely. It’s nothing that would cause long-term issues, but a turnaround like this after a defeat isn’t feasible.”
Meanwhile, a potential matchup between Joshua and Tyson Fury remains a topic of interest. Fury, who is set to face unified champion Oleksandr Usyk on December 21, could be in line for a showdown with Joshua next year.
