Anthony Joshua laser-focused on rematch with Daniel Dubois

Anthony Joshua isn’t backing down. After his recent knockout loss to Daniel Dubois, many thought it might be the end of the road for him, but that’s not how AJ sees it. Despite the criticism and the speculation about retirement, Joshua is already focused on getting back in the ring - his next goal, a rematch with Dubois.

According to his promoter, Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s top priority is getting another shot at Dubois. Hearn has been clear about the path forward, stating, “He will for sure have another fight with Riyadh Season, and one of those options is a rematch with Daniel Dubois.” For Joshua, it’s not about taking an easier fight to rebuild. Hearn believes that Joshua has his sights set on something bigger, and Dubois is at the top of that list.

Joshua, a two-time world heavyweight champion, took a tough loss against Dubois. In front of a massive crowd at Wembley Stadium, Dubois landed a brutal counter right hand in the fifth round, sending Joshua to the canvas. The defeat left a mark on Joshua, but it hasn’t broken him. In fact, he posted a video shortly after the fight, letting everyone know he’s not done yet. “It’s far from over,” he said, adding that he still has “a lot more to bring to the game.”

Joshua knows the stakes are high. At 34, he’s no stranger to setbacks. He’s been here before - after losing to Andy Ruiz Jr. and then Oleksandr Usyk - but each time, he’s returned determined to fight again. This time, he didn’t immediately call for a rematch in the ring as he did with those other losses, but behind the scenes, conversations about running it back with Dubois are already in motion.

Hearn, along with Dubois and promoter Frank Warren, met with Turki Al-Alshikh shortly after the fight to discuss the potential rematch. It’s not a question of whether Joshua has a rematch clause; as Hearn puts it, “Rematch clauses come in many different ways, but ultimately the rematch is one of our choices.”

Of course, other names are also in the mix. The heavyweight division is stacked, and there are plenty of intriguing matchups for Joshua. Hearn mentioned the possibility of fights with Deontay Wilder and Joe Joyce, acknowledging the interest those bouts would generate. But no matter what options are on the table, Joshua has one thing in mind: getting back in the ring with Dubois.

Critics, including former champions and analysts, have questioned Joshua’s future. Some think he should hang up the gloves, suggesting that he has nothing left to prove. But for Joshua, this loss is just another chapter in his career, not the end of it. He’s been knocked down before, and each time he’s come back stronger. He believes he can do it again.

“It’s not over yet,” Joshua says confidently. And while the road ahead might not be easy, he’s never been one to shy away from a challenge. Whether it’s Dubois, Wilder, or someone else, Joshua’s focus is clear: he’s ready to fight, and he’s got unfinished business.