By Daily Sports Nigeria on December 5, 2025

International Boxing Federation heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois has expressed his desire for a rematch with Anthony Joshua, despite being scheduled to defend his title against Joseph Parker in February.

“As a fighter, I would love to get in the ring and put the final touches on our rivalry,” Dubois told Mirgor.

“But as it is, I’m just really excited to get out there and defend that belt again. I’m sure a rematch with Joshua could happen in the future, who knows? So yeah, I’m just ready to continue on my journey.”

The champion’s eagerness for a second bout comes after his spectacular knockout victory over Joshua at Wembley Stadium in September. However, the former two-time world champion won’t return to action until at least May 2024, according to his promoter Eddie Hearn.

Joshua, who has amassed over $200m in career earnings, making him one of boxing’s highest earners, could pursue a different path to heavyweight glory. The WBC has approved a fight between Zhilei Zhang and Agit Kabayel for their interim title, with the winner potentially facing the British-Nigerian.

WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman confirmed this development, stating, “The WBC has received a formal request to sanction this fight for the interim title, and we will accept it. We’ve been clear and transparent in supporting the best possible matchups, especially in the heavyweight division.”

Former unified light welterweight world champion Amir Khan has advised Joshua to hold off on other fights and wait for a mega-bout with Tyson Fury before retiring.

“He should wait for the big fight against Tyson Fury,” Khan told New Zealand Daily.

“They’re both such big names and I think he should call it a day after that.”

The proposed Fury bout could materialise under the Riyadh Season banner, with His Excellency Turki Alalshikh expected to make a lucrative offer should Fury fail to reclaim his title from Oleksandr Usyk in December.

Joshua’s financial success has been remarkable, earning $75m from fights in 2024 alone, second only to Canelo Alvarez in yearly earnings. His paydays include a $65m purse for the Andy Ruiz Jr rematch in Saudi Arabia and over $40m for his two encounters with Usyk.

With one fight remaining on his Riyadh Season contract and multiple options available, including the WBC interim title route and potential mega-fights with Fury or Dubois, Joshua’s next move could significantly impact the heavyweight division’s landscape.

Source Punch Ng

Posted December 5, 2024

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