- Turki Alalshikh has revealed the proposed date for AJ’s rematch with Dubois
- Dubois, 27, made a statement at Wembley Stadium, knocking Joshua out
- Dubois will want to do the same when they face each other for the second time
Turki Alalshikh has revealed the proposed date for the highly anticipated rematch between British heavyweights Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois.
The two fighters are expected to face each other again on February 22, 2025, in what promises to be a blockbuster event.
The announcement comes after weeks of speculation about when and where the rematch would take place, following their explosive first meeting earlier this year.
Although the venue is yet to be confirmed, Saudi Arabia is widely expected to host again given the country’s recent attempt to establish itself as a major hub for boxing’s biggest fights.
Alalshikh, who has been instrumental in orchestrating high-profile battles in the region, broke the news during an interview with The Stomping Ground following Beterbiev’s victory over Bivol.
Turki Alalshikh has revealed the proposed date for the highly anticipated rematch between British heavyweights Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois
Daniel Dubois (right) knocked out Anthony Joshua (left) in the fifth round of their IBF heavyweight title fight at Wembley Stadium on Saturday evening
Wembley were stunned when Joshua failed to recover from a brutal right hook in the fifth round
‘AJ’ was sent to the canvas after rival Dubois’ brilliant counterpunch
He confirmed that negotiations have progressed to such an extent that February 22 has been provisionally set for the rematch.
The rematch follows their thrilling first fight, which saw Dubois knock out AJ in the fifth round at Wembley Stadium.
Dubois bucked tradition and entered Wembley Stadium first despite being the reigning champion, and it was fitting that he demonstrated his immense power from the opening bell, scoring a huge knockdown in the opening round.
A stunned ‘AJ’ returned to his corner to seek guidance from trainer Ben Davison and in the second round he managed to hold on as ‘Dynamite’ Dubois pushed forward.
However, Joshua never looked like he had fully recovered from the early blow and was back on the canvas in the third round, seconds before the bell rang.
It didn’t take long for ‘AJ’ to be sent to the canvas again as in the fourth round, Dubois connected with another huge hook that hit Joshua’s corner.
Somehow the 34-year-old managed to get back to his feet and marched forward despite the heavy blows he had taken in the opening rounds.
It all happened in the fifth, however, after Joshua caught Dubois and charged forward before the IBF heavyweight champion delivered a brilliant counter right hook that sent his rival to the canvas.
Dubois celebrated his IBF heavyweight title in front of 96,000 fans at Wembley Stadium
Joshua tried to get back to his feet for the fourth time in the fight, but stumbled and gave the referee an easy decision to call off the fight.
The February 22 rematch is expected to attract huge global attention, with fans eager to see if Dubois can replicate his impressive performance.
Given the magnitude of their first fight and the stakes surrounding this second meeting, the event could have significant ramifications for the heavyweight division.