Shock news, Turki Al-Sheikh reveals about the rematch between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois

According to Saudi boxing advisor Turki Al-Sheikh, Anthony Joshua is unlikely to take the risky step of facing Daniel Dubois in a rematch. This revelation has left fans questioning what lies ahead for Joshua as he navigates the twilight of his career.

Turki Al-Sheikh Doubts a Joshua-Dubois Rematch

The first fight between Joshua and Dubois, which took place in September, ended in a devastating fifth-round knockout for Dubois. He knocked Joshua down three times on his way to defending the IBF heavyweight title, cementing his place among the sport’s elite heavyweights. For Joshua, it was another damaging setback, raising doubts about his ability to reclaim the throne.

Following the fight, there was immediate speculation about a possible rematch, potentially taking place at Wembley Stadium. However, those plans appear to have been shelved, with Dubois now scheduled to defend his title against Joseph Parker in Riyadh this February. Speaking about a potential Joshua-Dubois 2, Al-Sheikh told iFL TV, “Of course, I’d love to see that fight again, but I don’t think it’s going to happen anymore.”

Limited Options for Anthony Joshua

With the Dubois rematch seemingly off the table, Anthony Joshua faces a narrowing set of options for his next move. One possibility is a long-anticipated showdown with Tyson Fury, a fight that has been teased for years but never materialized. However, as always, complications surround this matchup.

Tyson Fury is currently set to face Oleksandr Usyk this Saturday in a monumental clash to determine the undisputed heavyweight champion. If Fury wins, he has reportedly committed to a three-fight deal with Usyk, which could push a Joshua-Fury fight further into the future. At 35, Joshua doesn’t have the luxury of waiting indefinitely for Fury to become available, especially as each passing year makes a comeback more difficult.

There’s also the possibility that Fury could lose again to Usyk, which would strip the Joshua-Fury matchup of much of its appeal. The fight would no longer be a battle between two dominant British heavyweights but rather a clash between two aging former champions.

A New Path Through Parker?

If Joseph Parker defeats Daniel Dubois in February, it could open a new opportunity for Joshua. Parker, who Joshua previously beat by unanimous decision in 2018, is a familiar foe and would present a safer route back to a title fight. While Parker has shown improvement in recent years, he lacks the devastating power and unpredictability of Dubois, making him a less risky opponent for Joshua.

This path would also allow Joshua to avoid immediate danger while still pursuing championship gold. A rematch with Parker for the IBF title would likely be seen as a more manageable challenge for Joshua, especially as he looks to rebuild his reputation.

However, it’s clear that the heavyweight division is in a state of flux. Daniel Dubois, Tyson Fury, Oleksandr Usyk, and Joseph Parker are all vying for supremacy, leaving Joshua’s position increasingly uncertain.

As the heavyweight landscape begins to take shape in 2025, Anthony Joshua’s next move will be pivotal. Whether he opts for a risky rematch, a high-stakes showdown with Fury, or a safer route through Parker, his choices will determine his legacy in the sport. Fans and critics alike will be watching closely to see if Joshua can reclaim his place among boxing’s elite or if his era is truly over.