Daniel Dubois, the new IBF heavyweight champion, has thrown down the gauntlet – he’s open to a rematch with either Anthony Joshua or Oleksandr Usyk, but the decision comes down to one thing: who offers the bigger paycheck. Dubois, still buzzing from his brutal fifth-round knockout of Joshua at Wembley Stadium, believes he can deliver an even more impressive performance in a rematch.
The potential for a Dubois-Joshua rematch has been swirling since Joshua’s loss. Joshua, despite the defeat, has maintained that his boxing career is far from over, with a rematch against Dubois as well as a potential clash with Tyson Fury on the horizon. Dubois’ promoter, Frank Warren, has confirmed that while there’s no specific clause in Dubois’ contract for an immediate rematch with Joshua, a second fight could happen if the right deal is struck.
On the other side of the coin, Usyk is scheduled to face Fury in a highly anticipated rematch for the WBA, WBO, and WBC belts on December 21st. Dubois previously faced Usyk in August 2023, landing a powerful punch in the fifth round that sent the Ukrainian champion to the canvas. However, the punch was deemed a low blow, giving Usyk extra time to recover.
Dubois, reflecting on the potential of facing either Joshua or Usyk again, said, “I would love a rematch, but either one really – whoever pays me the most,” in an interview with talkSPORT radio. He added, “If that happens next then yeah, I want to go for it. I want to do it even better next time. I know where I need to improve as well, so as a champion and as a fighter I just want to prove people wrong every time and that is what we have been doing. I think I would be a lot better than that (last fight). It was a great show, a Rocky-type fight, but next time I believe I will be more clinical, more sharp, everything better.”
The boxing world is holding its breath, eager to see who Dubois chooses as his next opponent and what this next chapter in the heavyweight division will bring.
