Entering the ring at Wembley, Joshua aimed to join the ranks of boxing's elite as the fifth three-time heavyweight champion, but he was unexpectedly overwhelmed by the underdog Dubois.
From the very first round, Dubois seized control, demonstrating his credentials as the IBF world champion. A knockdown in the opening round set a clear precedent, and the fight quickly became one-sided, with Joshua hitting the canvas four times, the final fall leaving him unable to respond to the referee's count.
Despite this lopsided defeat, the 35-year-old Joshua remains eager to face Dubois again, hoping to even the score and potentially set up a long-anticipated clash with Tyson Fury, possibly for the undisputed heavyweight title.
Given Fury's upcoming title fight against Usyk in December, Joshua would ideally need to face Dubois in February to synchronize their schedules for a potential bout in mid-2025. However, Hearn indicated to Sky Sports that Joshua is dealing with some minor injuries, making a February return seem too soon, suggesting that a rematch in May would be more suitable.
“Our concern at the moment is just timing,”
“You’ve got a few little niggles, you get them looked at and then you can’t punch again for four, five weeks. If we’re going to fight him in February, we need to start camp in about three weeks’ time. It’s quite a fast turnaround.”
“Ideally we’d like to return around May time. It does feel as though it’s coming on quite quickly.
“From a body perspective we could probably do with a little bit more time ideally. Sometimes it’s not ideal and you just go for it. But we just need to decide are we going to be ready.
“[Joshua] has told me categorically: ‘I want the rematch.’ But it’s just a case of whether he’s going to be ready for February and that’s something they’re going to have to decide.
“It’s not ruled out. But we do appreciate it’s a fast turnaround.”
Dubois and Frank Warren are eager and confident following the decisive victory that the IBF heavyweight champion delivered to his fellow Brit just weeks ago. With Tyson Fury appearing to distance himself from a potential matchup with Dubois, the rematch with Joshua stands out as his most financially promising option.