Joshua vs. Dubois rematch to hold in Saudi Arabia

Anthony Joshua is gearing up for a rematch with Daniel Dubois after Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh ordered another fight between the British rivals.

Joshua’s career was left hanging in the balance after being knocked out in five rounds by Dubois in front of a British-record 98,000 fans.

The highly-anticipated rematch is on the cards as Joshua has one contracted fight left with Saudi Arabia boxing supremo Turki Alalshikh and Riyadh Season.

Joshua, along with promoter Eddie Hearn and Alalshikh, has already begun discussing his future following the brutal KO.

Hearn revealed that all parties are on board for the blockbuster rematch.

“Rematch clauses come in many different forms. We have a fight with Riyadh Season. One of our options is to fight Daniel Dubois again, and our contract is with them,” Hearn stated.

Dubois, 27, is also considering waiting out on Oleksandr Usyk to rematch the Ukrainian after his ninth-round stoppage loss last year.

His promoter, Frank Warren, expressed openness to the rematch, which could be set for February.

Joshua and Dubois’s first encounter ended in a stunning upset, with Dubois knocking Joshua out cold in five rounds and retaining his IBF heavyweight championship at Wembley Stadium.

The loss saw Joshua plummet down the world rankings.

Diaspora Digital Media understands that Tyson Fury, 36, was initially lined up to face Joshua in a lucrative two-fight deal worth £150 million.

However, following Dubois’s shock victory, Fury instead rematches Oleksandr Usyk on December 21.

Despite the setback, Hearn remains optimistic about Joshua’s future. “AJ will always want the rematch. Daniel wants the rematch too; it’s the biggest fight for him, and they will fancy it.” Hearn also hinted that Joshua could still face Fury next year, regardless of the outcome against Usyk.

Warren echoed Hearn’s sentiments, stating, “I’m not against that [rematch] at all. That’s not an open door for me; I’ll take the door off the hinges and we’ll do it.” Dubois’s next fight is scheduled for February, with the Joshua rematch likely to take place then.

The upcoming rematch promises to be an exciting encounter, with both fighters eager to prove themselves.

Joshua will be seeking redemption, while Dubois aims to solidify his position as a top heavyweight contender.

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