After Daniel Dubois’ victory over Joshua, the question arises: Will there be a rematch or will the IBF champion challenge the winner of the Usyk vs Fury rematch?
Daniel Dubois has shaken up heavyweight boxing with his impressive victory over Anthony Joshua. The fight in front of 96,000 spectators at Wembley Stadium ended with a knockout in the fifth round and opens up many options for the future. Daniel Dubois now has the reins in his hands. Despite speculation about possible fights against Deontay Wilder or Oleksandr Usyk, Dubois is focusing on a rematch with Joshua. Promoter Eddie Hearn confirms: “Joshua’s priority is a rematch against Dubois”.
All doors are open to Daniel Dubois
Joshua, who won Olympic gold in 2012, suffered his fourth career defeat and now faces a crucial period. Hearn says: “Joshua may only have one to three fights left.” A rematch against Dubois seems to be his first choice, although a clash against Wilder is also on the table. Wilder, who lost several times in his last fights against Tyson Fury, could be an interesting opponent. Hearn describes a fight between Joshua and Wilder as “fascinating” and sees it as a big attraction for the fans.
Daniel Dubois, who successfully defended his IBF world title, also faces an exciting future. In addition to a possible rematch against Joshua, the 27-year-old also has his sights set on Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk. A fight against Fury would not only be interesting in sporting terms, but also a challenge for promoter Frank Warren, who represents both boxers. Warren admits that he would be in a “very, very uncomfortable position” if this duel were to take place.
Dubois – Joshua II is an option
Dubois made it clear after his victory that he was ready for a rematch against Joshua. “If it comes to it, yes, I want to do even better,” he said in an interview. He was convinced that he could continue to improve and dominate the heavyweight scene for years to come. However, it remains to be seen whether he will meet the winner of the Fury-Usyk fight before a possible rematch takes place. The upcoming duel in December 2024 will decide who will end the year as the undisputed champion.
Generation change in the heavyweight division imminent
Once the rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury is over, there will be a generational change in heavyweight boxing – regardless of the outcome. Usyk (37) and Fury (36) are closer to the end of their careers than “AJ” is to another world championship opportunity. And the Bakoles, Parkers, Hunters, Hrgovics, Wylders, Joyces and Zhangs have also passed their 30s – and for the most part also their peak performance. In the company of the old, heavy men, IBF champion Dubois is the youngster who could shape the next few years. There is no way around him when it comes to setting the course for the heavyweight division.
Agit Kabayel – the German note in the concert of the heavy hitters
One last aspect from a German perspective to conclude: If Daniel Dubois retains the IBF title, Agit Kabayel – in August still number 4 in the IBF rankings behind Joshua (positions 1 and 2 not occupied) – is waiting in the wings as a possible mandatory challenger. The Bochum native also holds top positions in the rankings of the other federations. The German is also ranked number 4 by the WBO, while the WBC has him at number 2 and the WBA at number 6. This makes Kabayel the second hot iron in the fire alongside Dubois when it comes to forging the future of heavyweight boxing.
Text: Andreas Ohlberger