Why Anthony Joshua vs. Dubois rematch was cancelled- Hearn

Anthony Joshua’s highly anticipated rematch with Daniel Dubois, originally scheduled for February, was cancelled due to lingering injuries. Anthony Joshua’s Promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed the decision to cancel the fight despite his eagerness to return to the ring.

Joshua, a 35-year-old former two-time heavyweight champion suffered a shocking defeat to Dubois in September at Wembley Stadium, where he was knocked down four times before the bout was stopped, ending his immediate hopes of reclaiming a world title.

While discussions of an immediate rematch initially circulated, Hearn advised against rushing into another fight, choosing instead to assess options after the highly anticipated Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury fight in December. Joshua had expressed interest in a swift return, with February 2025 marked as a potential date. However, minor injuries from his September clash require a longer recovery, pushing his comeback to mid-2025.

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Hearn explained the decision, noting that while Joshua was set on the February 2025 date, the team prioritized his health and readiness. “We had a very awkward call,” Hearn told Boxing News. “He wanted to fight on February 22, but he was told there’s no way he could start camp and be 100% ready physically by then. Nothing major, just a few issues he had in camp and after the fight. We suggested May or June as a better timeline, but he didn’t want to wait.”

For now, Joshua’s focus is on returning to full strength, determined to make the most of this final chapter in his career.