Anthony Joshua Says No to Daniel Dubois: A New Career Choice After the Knockout

Former British boxer Amir Khan believes that Anthony Joshua should forget about a rematch with Daniel Dubois, insisting that ‘AJ’ made the right call by refusing to step into the ring with Dubois immediately after his brutal knockout defeat last September.

Speaking exclusively to Prime Casino, the fan-favorite fighter stated that Joshua made a smart and calculated decision by avoiding an immediate rematch with the powerful IBF champion.

Why Anthony Joshua Refused a Rematch with Dubois

The decision to decline an immediate rematch has been met with mixed reactions, but according to Amir Khan, it was the best move for Anthony Joshua. Many fans and analysts expected Joshua to demand a second fight to avenge his loss, but he has instead opted for a different path.

Avoiding Another Risky Fight

Daniel Dubois proved to be a dangerous opponent for Joshua in their previous encounter, exploiting his weaknesses and ultimately securing a stoppage victory in the fifth round. Jumping straight into a rematch without ample preparation could have been disastrous for Anthony Joshua, both in terms of his career trajectory and his long-term health.

Khan particularly criticized Joshua’s chances against Dubois, describing him as an opponent who had already exposed AJ’s fighting style. “There is always a fighter who has the perfect style to beat you, and for Joshua, that’s Dubois. He landed his shots perfectly when I watched that fight,” said Khan.

The Future of Anthony Joshua’s Career

Instead of rushing into another high-risk fight, Anthony Joshua is now looking at alternative options that could prolong his career and keep him in contention for a heavyweight title shot. But what are the most viable paths for Joshua moving forward?

Exploring Safer Fights for Big Paydays

As Khan pointed out, Joshua still has plenty of opportunities to make money in boxing without taking another immediate fight with Daniel Dubois. Instead of putting himself in another tough battle, he can target easier opponents that still offer lucrative paydays.

One of the biggest potential fights on the table is a showdown with Joseph Parker, the current WBO interim champion. Parker has been vocal about his desire to face Joshua once again, and a fight between them could generate significant interest among boxing fans.

Is Joseph Parker the Right Opponent for Joshua?

With Tyson Fury‘s potential retirement and the heavyweight division in a state of uncertainty, the most realistic fight for Joshua right now appears to be against Joseph Parker. The two fighters have previously shared the ring, with Joshua claiming a unanimous decision victory over Parker in 2018. However, things have changed since then.

Joseph Parker’s Recent Resurgence

Since his loss to Joshua, Parker has rebuilt his career and is now a top contender once again. His recent performances have shown significant improvement, and he is eager to avenge his previous loss to Joshua. A rematch between the two would not only make sense in terms of rankings but would also provide Joshua with an opportunity to secure a confidence-boosting victory.

A Low-Risk, High-Reward Fight

Unlike Daniel Dubois, Parker does not possess the same knockout power or aggressive fighting style that caused problems for Anthony Joshua in their first fight. This makes Parker a more favorable opponent, allowing Joshua to get back into title contention without taking unnecessary risks.

Will Anthony Joshua Ever Face Daniel Dubois Again?

While Anthony Joshua has opted against an immediate rematch, that does not mean a fight with Daniel Dubois is completely off the table.

A Potential Future Mega-Fight

If Joshua manages to secure a few solid victories and rebuild his confidence, a future fight with Dubois could become one of the biggest matchups in the heavyweight division. However, he will need to carefully navigate his next few fights to ensure he is in the best possible position for such a showdown.

The Heavyweight Division Landscape

With so many moving parts in the heavyweight division, it remains unclear what the future holds for Anthony Joshua. Daniel Dubois is rumored to be targeting a rematch with Oleksandr Usyk for the undisputed championship, while other top contenders like Deontay Wilder, Joe Joyce, and Filip Hrgović are also vying for big fights.

For now, Joshua’s focus appears to be on rebuilding his career and choosing the right opponents. While a rematch with Dubois might not be happening immediately, boxing fans can expect to see AJ back in the ring soon, taking on a new challenge that will shape the next chapter of his storied career.

The Business Side of Boxing: What Joshua Stands to Gain

Beyond in-ring considerations, Anthony Joshua has always been a smart businessman. His brand, endorsements, and pay-per-view draws mean that he must carefully pick his fights. While a rematch with Daniel Dubois might be a fan favorite, Joshua must weigh the financial benefits versus the risks.

Sponsorships and Endorsements

Joshua’s marketability remains one of the strongest in boxing. Whether he fights Joseph Parker, Filip Hrgović, or even explores cross-promotional fights, he will continue to attract sponsorship deals. His decision to delay a Dubois rematch could be strategic, allowing him to maximize earnings before stepping into another high-stakes showdown.

A Look at Other Potential Opponents

While Joseph Parker seems to be the leading candidate, there are a few other names in the mix for Anthony Joshua’s next fight. Some possible matchups include:

• Deontay Wilder: A long-anticipated fight that would still generate massive pay-per-view sales.

• Filip Hrgović: A rising contender eager for a chance at the top names in the division.

• Otto Wallin: A southpaw who could provide an interesting stylistic challenge.

• Zhilei Zhang: A big puncher with a growing reputation.

Each of these fights presents different levels of risk and reward, and Joshua must make his decision carefully.

The Importance of a Comeback Win

Regardless of his opponent, Anthony Joshua needs a dominant win to reestablish himself in the title picture. His loss to Daniel Dubois shook his confidence and standing in the division, but a strong performance in his next fight could quickly change the narrative.

With heavyweight boxing being as unpredictable as ever, Joshua still has the potential to reclaim his status as a top contender. If he carefully selects his next fights and secures victories, a title shot in late 2025 or early 2026 could still be in the cards.

Final Thoughts

Anthony Joshua’s decision to reject an immediate rematch with Daniel Dubois is a calculated move, one that prioritizes his long-term career over short-term revenge. While some fans may be disappointed, Joshua’s approach suggests he is playing the long game, ensuring he remains a top heavyweight for years to come.

The road ahead won’t be easy, but with strategic fight choices, improved training, and the right mindset, AJ can still achieve greatness. Whether a rematch with Dubois happens in the future or not, one thing is certain—Joshua’s journey in boxing is far from over.