In a surprising turn of events, Anthony Joshua's highly anticipated rematch with Daniel Dubois has been postponed, taking the decision out of the former champion's hands. Joshua, who suffered a brutal defeat at the hands of 'Dynamite' in their previous encounter, was eager to avenge his loss, but a series of minor injuries have forced him to delay the rematch until later in 2025.

Setback in the Pursuit of Redemption

The Aftermath of a Devastating Defeat

The September bout at Wembley Stadium was a humbling experience for Joshua, who was dropped four times by the hard-hitting Dubois before the fight was stopped. The defeat was a significant blow to Joshua's reputation and his aspirations of regaining the heavyweight crown. However, the former champion remained determined to secure a rematch and prove his mettle against his British rival.

Injuries Derail the Rematch Plans

Joshua's team, led by promoter Eddie Hearn, had initially targeted a February 22 date for the rematch, a timeline that the fighter himself was eager to pursue. However, upon further evaluation, it became clear that Joshua would not be physically ready to compete at his best by that time. Hearn revealed that there were "two or three issues" that Joshua had dealt with during his previous camp and in the aftermath of the fight, which would prevent him from being fully prepared for a February showdown.

Overruling Joshua's Wishes

Despite Joshua's desire to step back into the ring as soon as possible, his team made the difficult decision to advise him against accepting the February 22 date. Hearn acknowledged the awkwardness of the situation, stating, "He wanted to fight on February 22 and basically was told that there is no way you can start camp and be 100% for February 22, physically." The promoter emphasized the need to ensure Joshua's full recovery and readiness, as another defeat to Dubois could have serious implications for the former champion's future.

Dubois Moves Forward with a Voluntary Defense

With the rematch delayed, Dubois has now been granted permission by the IBF to make a voluntary defense of his title against a top 15 opponent. This development means that Joshua will have to wait until later in 2025 to get his chance at redemption, as the two fighters' paths have temporarily diverged.

Joshua's Unwavering Determination

Despite the setback, Joshua remains committed to his goal of avenging his defeat and reclaiming his place at the top of the heavyweight division. Hearn emphasized that Joshua is eager to rematch Dubois, stating, "He wants to rematch Daniel so bad." The former champion is expected to take some time off to fully recover and then make a concrete decision on his next move, potentially after the outcome of the highly anticipated rematch between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk.

Fury's Persistent Challenge

Amidst the uncertainty surrounding Joshua's immediate future, Tyson Fury has continued to taunt his fellow British heavyweight. The 'Gypsy King' has insisted that Joshua cannot escape their long-standing rivalry, stating, "Even if we're 50 years old he's got to fight me. There's no escaping it, he cannot escape me." Fury's unwavering confidence in his ability to defeat Joshua has added an extra layer of intrigue to the heavyweight landscape, as the two titans have yet to face off in the ring.

The Road Ahead

As Joshua navigates the setback and the uncertainty surrounding his future, the heavyweight division remains in flux. The delayed rematch with Dubois, the potential Fury showdown, and the outcome of the Fury-Usyk fight will all play a crucial role in shaping Joshua's path forward. One thing is clear: the former champion's determination to reclaim his place at the top of the sport remains unshakable, and he is poised to embark on a new chapter in his storied career.