Could the Rematch With Daniel Dubois Reignite Anthony Joshua’s Career?

There is no question that the career of the British boxer Anthony Joshua has seen somewhat of a downward turn in recent years. After winning each of his first 20 pro fights, dramatic defeats to Andy Ruiz Jr in 2019 and Oleksandr Usyk in 2021 and 2022 marked the end of Joshua’s air of invincibility. His recent loss to Daniel Dubois has left many wondering whether Joshua will soon be heading into retirement. Yet now, rumours of a rematch with Dubois have pundits asking if Joshua could be set to enjoy an Indian summer.

Could a Rematch With Daniel Dubois Revive Anthony Joshua’s Career?

Anthony Joshua: A British Great

Anthony Joshua is undoubtedly one of the greatest British boxers of all time. After winning gold at the 2012 Olympics as an amateur, he has enjoyed 28 pro wins. His first major title came when he claimed the WBC International heavyweight belt in 2014 at just 24. He then won the IBF heavyweight title the following year. His crowning glory, however, surely came in 2017, when he defeated Wladimir Klitschko to reign as the unified heavyweight champion of the world.

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His fight with fellow British boxer Daniel Dubois in September 2024, on the other hand, was a less glorious affair for the Watford-born fighter. The pre-match underdog Dubois knocked Joshua to the canvas in the very first round, eventually gaining a knockout victory with a vicious right uppercut in the fifth. Now, however, it seems that the two are set for a rematch, with a provisional date recently announced of February 22, 2025. But would it be the right decision for AJ, or does he risk tarnishing his legacy?

A Lasting Legacy

Joshua, who turns 35 on October 15, will have a lot of motivation for the fight. Toppling Dubois would not only see him regain the IBF belt, but it would also help Joshua erase the painful memories of that shocking loss at Wembley Stadium. Although he was soundly beaten in that bout, AJ will certainly fancy his chances in the rematch given his undoubted boxing pedigree.

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Some pundits also believe that victory against Dynamite would help cement Joshua’s legacy as one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of his era. There has also been much talk of a bout between Joshua and Tyson Fury, though the latter is, in the eyes of some, another ageing force. That fight would certainly be a momentous occasion in the world of boxing, but it would arguably be even more impressive to take revenge against Dubois, who at 27 years of age is at the peak of his career.

Anthony Joshua vs. Daniel Dubois: Betting Hots Up

There is one burning question, however: would Joshua win? While a glorious victory from a fighter at the end of his career can leave some lasting memories, so can seeing that same fighter knocked to the canvas by a younger and fitter rival. In other words, there is plenty of risk here, as well as reward.

 Once the fight is officially confirmed, bookmakers can expect to see a flurry of early bets. It promises to be a major event that will likely attract a lot of first-time bettors, with plenty of offers available, such as the best welcome bonus for newcomers to their sites. Unlike the first time around, however, Dubois is likely to go into the fight as an odds-on favourite.

The Big Decision

Naturally, money would also be a factor in the decision to take on that risk. After all, the proposed fight is set to net Joshua tens of millions of dollars of additional income – not bad when you know that you are close to retirement. Ultimately, though, it feels more like the rematch is being driven by Joshua’s competitive spirit – you don’t get to enjoy a 14-year boxing career without a fierce will to win.

In reality, given the array of victories and belts secured throughout his time as a fighter, Joshua’s reputation as a great heavyweight boxer is surely secure. At this point, the question is more about whether he has the hunger, dedication and, above all, the strength to return to the ring and exact revenge on a younger, supremely talented and destructive fighter. If the reports of the confirmation of the rematch are accurate, then we are all going to find out soon enough.