Frank Warren, the promoter for IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois, has ruled out an immediate rematch with Anthony Joshua, signaling a shift towards finding new opponents for Dubois’ next fight. Dubois’ fifth-round win over Joshua in September had sparked hopes for a rematch among fans, with Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, previously optimistic about the possibility.
However, talks have recently stalled, as Joshua requires more recovery time from injuries sustained during the fight. Hearn explained that Joshua is still dealing with lingering issues and won’t be ready for the proposed February 22 fight date, a timeline Warren is keen to keep for Dubois.
“We’re considering other options for Daniel’s next fight,” Warren shared, highlighting his commitment to maintaining Dubois’ momentum in the ring without delay. “A rematch isn’t happening next. We want to keep Daniel on track for February 22.”
Warren added that Dubois’ career remains his main focus: “With all respect, we’re focused on Daniel Dubois’ career. He’s eager to fight on that date, and that’s our priority.”
Aligning with Warren’s decision, IBF President Daryl Peoples recently confirmed that Dubois can take an optional title defense against any ranked opponent before April 22. This opens the door for other potential matchups, including a domestic clash with Fabio Wardley.
