On September 21, Daniel Dubois shocked the world when he knocked out Anthony Joshua to retain his IBF heavyweight title. It was a devastating match that ended in just the fifth round as ‘Dynamite’ dropped Joshua three times. After the match, many fans expected ‘AJ’ to ask for an immediate rematch to avenge this crushing loss. However, a few weeks ago, various reports came out suggesting that the 35-year-old has opted out of the immediate rematch.

Reportedly, the rematch plans did not fit into his plans for the next year. Furthermore, Daniel Dubois is also set to face Joseph Parker early in 2025, followed by his mandatory IBF title defense against either Martin Bakole or Efe Ajagba. With so many pieces in play, the chances of a rematch between AJ and Dubois were getting slimmer with each passing day. To make matters worse, on Friday, His Excellency Turki Alalshikh almost confirmed these rumors and shared genuine concerns over the possibility of a rematch.

Anthony Joshua uncertain about the rematch

In a conversation with iFLTV during the official weigh-in of Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury 2, His Excellency shared his views on the Joshua vs. Dubois rematch. While the Riyadh Season head would love to see these giants clash again, he is doubtful of it happening. “Of course, I want to see it again but I don’t think it will happen again,” claimed His Excellency dejectedly.

The first clash between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois marked the debut of the Riyadh Season in Wembley. A 90,000 sold-out live crowd made it one of the most memorable PPVs of the past few years and a rematch would have garnered similar attention.

The interviewer also asked HE Alalshikh about the relationship between Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren and how long it took to convince both of them to this match. However, the Saudi Royal revealed that he had no problem with setting the first fight because both Hearn and Warren “are smart and they are businessmen. There is no reason to have any problems.”

Talking about Anthony Joshua, the Watford native has expressed his desire to continue fighting for a few more years. However, he has not revealed any concrete plans since losing to Dubois. Reportedly, the 35-year-old is waiting to face Tyson Fury in a dream match. However, even that plan is on the ropes, as Fury has already agreed to a trilogy with Usyk if he wins the rematch on December 21. If that happens, it will put AJ’s return plans further in jeopardy.

On the other hand, Daniel Dubois has clear plans going into the future. In a conversation with BBC Sport, the IBF champion revealed his future after Parker clash and even took some shots at ‘AJ.’

Daniel Dubois wants to right the wrong

‘The Dynamite’ talked about his clash with Joshua and how he thought that the latter was not ready for him. He declared, “I don’t think Joshua was ready for it. Where is AJ? I can’t find him. I’ve been looking for AJ but I can’t find him. On to the next one now,” claiming that he was ready for other matchups if the rematch fails to happen. But, since AJ has not shown any desire for the same, he is moving on.

The 27-year-old showered praises on Joseph Parker, claiming it to be a worthwhile clash. “I just have to be faster and better than him in every department. I think I’ll do a job on him but it will be a good fight,” claimed Dubois in a confident tone.

While the Londoner is focused on his rematch, he is also keeping his eye on Fury-Usyk 2. The IBF Champion revealed that he would like to face Fury, “But I’d love to fight Usyk after what happened in Poland and the history behind it. I’d love to get that back and do a rematch.”

Usyk and Dubois faced each other last year in Poland, where the unified heavyweight champion emerged victorious. ‘Dynamite’ wants to avenge that loss and clear the black mark from his record. He is also certain that the Ukranian won’t reject the match and claimed “I don’t think he would say no to business. Money talks in boxing and it would be a huge fight to get that back, to right that wrong.” 

The 27-year-old is unsure who would win the December 21 rematch, but he would prefer Usyk. So that he could challenge him to an undisputed heavyweight championship match.

At this point, Anthony Joshua’s future in the sport seems uncertain. The Watford native must make a decision soon before every desirable fight gets out of sight. Let us know your thoughts down below.