The highly anticipated rematch between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois is taking shape, with a tentative date set for February 2025. Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of the General Entertainment Authority in Saudi Arabia, announced the plan during a press conference after the Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol fight on Saturday night. The event is expected to be a part of the Riyadh Season, a major festival celebrating sports and entertainment.
Speaking about the event, Alalshikh hinted at a significant fight card in the works, which would feature matches between fighters from rival promoters Queensberry and Matchroom. “See in February again Queensberry against Matchroom, 5 vs. 5, we will finish it maybe this week with a big surprise,” Alalshikh told Sky Sports. He emphasized the importance of the upcoming matches, saying, “We want the big fights and to see who’s really the best fighter in each division.”
The prospect of a rematch comes after the dramatic outcome of the first fight between Joshua and Dubois. Last month, Daniel Dubois defeated Anthony Joshua at Wembley Stadium, delivering a stunning performance that left boxing fans in shock. Dubois dropped Joshua multiple times, finally landing a powerful right hand in Round 5, securing the win in front of a packed crowd of 98,000 fans. The loss marked Joshua’s fourth career defeat and sparked questions about his future in the sport.
Despite the setback, Joshua remains determined to continue his boxing career. He has vowed to come back stronger, with plans to face Dubois again in the rematch. His promoter, Eddie Hearn of Matchroom, confirmed that Saudi Arabia’s Middle Eastern kingdom would host the bout as part of the Riyadh Season. “I think it would be part of Riyadh Season in Riyadh… So anything within that period takes place in Riyadh,” Hearn explained.
The rematch between Joshua and Dubois is expected to be a critical moment for both fighters. For Joshua, it presents a chance to regain his footing in the heavyweight division and prove that he can still compete at the highest level. Dubois, on the other hand, will aim to solidify his status as a top contender following his surprising victory.
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Frank Warren, Dubois’ promoter from Queensberry, is optimistic about his fighter’s chances in the rematch. Reflecting on the first bout, Warren noted Dubois’ effective strategy against Joshua. “It’s all about styles, but also with AJ, you’ve got to put him on the back foot, and that’s what he did,” Warren shared with Sky Sports. He highlighted Dubois’ ability to counter Joshua’s attacks, saying, “You want AJ to trade with you, because if he trades, he’s vulnerable. Once he throws that punch, you can catch him on the counter, and that’s what he did.”
The rematch is set to be a major attraction in the boxing world, drawing attention to the Riyadh Season’s slate of sports and entertainment events. It also coincides with another heavyweight showdown scheduled for December 21, featuring Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury. Alalshikh indicated that the outcome of that fight could influence the future direction of the heavyweight division, adding more excitement to the buildup.
Boxing fans are eagerly awaiting the rematch between Joshua and Dubois, as it promises to be a crucial battle that could shape the future of the heavyweight division. With both fighters looking to prove themselves, the February showdown in Riyadh is set to be a pivotal event in their careers and a highlight of the Riyadh Season.