Former cruiserweight world champion Tony Bellew has thrown his support behind Anthony Joshua in the event of a rematch with Daniel Dubois, following their dramatic clash in September 2024.
Speaking to First Round TV, Bellew expressed confidence in Joshua’s overall skill set despite the previous loss.
“If they were to have a rematch, I’d favour Josh going in. He has better attributes than Daniel Dubois, but it’s all about the mindset,” Bellew stated.
Their first encounter saw Dubois knock Joshua down at the end of the opening round before securing a decisive fifth-round knockout. The loss interrupted Joshua’s rebuilding phase after back-to-back defeats to Oleksandr Usyk, during which he had notched impressive knockouts against Francis Ngannou, Otto Wallin, and Robert Helenius.
Although an immediate rematch was initially discussed, Joshua took time off to recover from injury and pursue a long-anticipated bout with Tyson Fury — a fight that remains uncertain following Fury’s retirement earlier this year.
Dubois, who pulled out of a February fight with Joseph Parker due to illness, has now been ordered to defend his IBF title against veteran Derek Chisora. However, a rematch with Oleksandr Usyk for the undisputed crown is being considered a more likely option. Meanwhile, Joshua could end up facing Parker if Fury stays retired.
Outside the ring, Joshua has been spending time in Lagos, Nigeria, where he was warmly welcomed by fans. A video posted on X.com showed the British-Nigerian boxer jogging through the streets, exchanging fist-bumps and greetings with excited onlookers.
Reflecting on the experience, Joshua shared a message comparing himself to legendary basketball figures:
“I love the game. I love the hustle. I feel like one of them ball players, you know? Like Bird, Magic, James, Jordan, Kobe or something.
You know I got dough, I could leave the game… But if I leave… Are the fans still gonna love me, man? I get love out here in (the) streets, man.”
Joshua was born in Watford, Hertfordshire, to Nigerian mother Yeta and father Robert Joshua, who has both Nigerian and Irish roots.
