British promoter Eddie Hearn has announced that Anthony Joshua will not be fighting until at least May 2025, effectively ending any prospects of a rematch with IBF world heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois for the time being.
Former two-time heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua, experienced a challenging bout where he was knocked down four times by Dubois before ultimately losing by knockout in the fifth round at Wembley this past September.
Although there was talk of a rematch scheduled for February 22, Hearn provided insights into the extent of Joshua’s recovery, indicating that this date was premature for him. “We had a very frank conversation,” Hearn explained to Boxing News.
“He expressed a desire to fight on February 22, but we had to advise him that there is simply no way to start training camp and be physically ready at 100% by then.”
Hearn reassured that while Joshua is managing a few physical concerns, there are no significant injuries involved. “There are a couple of minor issues he experienced during training camp and following the fight,” Hearn noted. “We advised him to aim for a return in May or June, which he was initially reluctant about. However, it was necessary to prioritize his readiness.”
Hearn added, “If Joshua were to face another defeat against Dubois, it would warrant serious consideration about his future in boxing.”
He emphasized the importance of making sure that Joshua’s comeback is well-prepared, saying, “We want to ensure that when he returns, whether in May or June, he is mentally and physically at his best.”
In terms of Joshua’s current condition, Hearn clarified, “There are no major injuries. Every fighter experiences minor aches and pains, particularly heavyweights who undergo rigorous training and sparring. What Joshua is dealing with is typical wear and tear, but it’s not something that poses a long-term issue.”
Meanwhile, there is ongoing interest in a potential super fight between Joshua and Tyson Fury, who has long been expected to face the Watford-born boxer. Fury is set to go up against unified champion Oleksandr Usyk on December 21 after previously losing to him in May.
