Anthony Joshua vs Daniel Dubois rematch doubts emerge as new large identify in body for combat

Joseph Parker has put his name in the hat for a shot at IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois on February 22.

Dubois and Anthony Joshua looked set for a rematch of their Wembley battle in Saudi Arabia early next year. But last week Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn cast doubt on whether ‘AJ’ will be ready despite the date being agreed with Saudi boxing power broker Turki Alalshikh.

Joshua, 35, was knocked out in the fifth round by Dubois when they met in September. It was the fourth defeat of his career and wrecked his bid to be a three-time world heavyweight champion.

Joshua and Dubois both gave the green light to Alalshikh for a rematch and the Saudi boss wants it on February 22. A Queensberry against Matchroom 5v5 event is being lined up as part of the undercard.

If Joshua doesn’t sign for the fight then he could be out of the IBF picture for some time. Dubois is allowed a voluntary challenger in February so can face anyone in the IBF’s top 15 but in April a mandatory will be called. That will be the winner of Martin Bakole’s final eliminator against Agit Kabayel, which is going out to purse bids.

Joshua could wait to see the outcome of Tyson Fury’s rematch with WBA, WBO and WBC champion Oleksandr Usyk on December 21. He has been told that there is still potential of a Fury fight next year but if the Gypsy King was to become champion again it would be problematic as the sanctioning bodies may not allow Joshua a shot.

Meanwhile, Parker has put himself forward for the February 22 date. The New Zealand fighter has not been in the ring since he beat Zhilei Zhang back in March. But the Kiwi puncher is currently training with coach Andy Lee in Dublin and has spoken with Spencer Brown, one of the figures involved with Alalshikh to signal his interest in the bout.

Parker lost to Joshua back in 2018 when he was WBO champion but has rebuilt his career since then. Joshua could still decide to face Dubois but he will be told a decision will need to be made in the next fortnight.

Meanwhile, former IBF flyweight champion Sunny Edwards has split from trainer Grant Smith in Sheffield. Edwards is preparing for a November 30 date with former amateur team-mate and Olympic gold medallist Galal Yafai in Birmingham. The 28-year-old will now work with Liverpool-based coach Chris Williams.