Eddie Hearn expects Anthony Joshua to push for a rematch with Daniel Dubois following his Wembley Stadium defeat.
Joshua was knocked down several times under Dubois’ ferocious attacks, but was eventually stopped by an explosive right hand punch in the fifth round.
The crucial moment came seconds after Joshua thought he had secured a breakthrough by shaking Dubois, and Dubois struck back powerfully, sending the former unified world champion crashing to the canvas in a stunning display at Wembley.
With this, Dubois solidified his credentials as the IBF World Heavyweight Champion while celebrating the biggest victory of his career in front of a sell-out crowd of 96,000.
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DuBois knocked out Joshua in the fifth round with a devastating performance.
“I think he (Joshua) will exercise his rematch clause. I think that’s a given,” Matchroom CEO Hearn said after the fight. “He’s going to need a break and it’s a dangerous fight. The guy is building confidence all the time.
“He’s going to believe he can hurt DuBois, he’s going to believe he can beat him. But Daniel DuBois has to get all the credit. He deserves all the credit. It was a great performance.”
At the post-match press conference, Hearn made his stance on a rematch clear.
“We have another fight coming up in Riyadh with Turki Alsheikh and Daniel Dubois, but Tyson Fury or another heavyweight could be in the plans too,” Hearn said.
“I think 2025 is going to be an interesting year for Anthony Joshua. One way or another. He’s going to be back, and whoever he fights – Daniel DuBois, Tyson Fury, whoever – you’re going to have fun.”
Joshua was knocked down by a powerful overhand right hand from Dubois in the first round and never recovered as he endured punishment after punishment in a raucous Wembley atmosphere.
“It was the first round and after that he fought with heart and desire. He never gave up and I’m really proud of him because he kept going even though his legs were deceiving him,” Hearn said.
“That’s what happens when you’re with a big puncher. He never stopped trying to get up, even when he couldn’t get up until the end.
“Daniel deserves the praise. He is a true world champion. Congratulations.”
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Joshua admits he has made many mistakes, but this is not the end of his boxing career.
Joshua remained gracious despite the loss, praising DuBois after his career-best performance and vowing to return.
“I’m grateful to him and his team. We rolled the dice for success, but we fell short,” Joshua said in a post-match interview.
“I know I’m ready to get in the ring, but I’m going to stay cool, stay professional, and be respectful to my opponent.
“I always tell myself that I am a fighter for life… We are constantly rolling the dice.
“It was a sharp opponent, a fast opponent, and I made a lot of mistakes, but that’s the game.”
Joshua’s loss has raised questions about the possibility of a rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury, who are set to rematch in Saudi Arabia later this year.
Dubois, still only 27, will also look to Yusik to make up for his loss to the Ukrainian great.
The heavyweight showdown between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois is back. Sky Sports Box Office Watch Joshua vs. Dubois again on Sunday, September 22nd at 8am and 5pm!
