The highly anticipated rematch between IBF world heavyweight boxing champion Daniel Dubois and former two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is edging closer, with February set as a tentative date.
Turki Alalshikh, chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, revealed this timeline after the Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol press conference on Saturday.
Alalshikh mentioned that a major fight card is being organized as part of the Riyadh Season, where rival promoters Queensberry and Matchroom will go head-to-head. “In February, we’ll see Queensberry against Matchroom, 5 vs. 5. We expect to finalize it this week with a big surprise. Let’s also see the results of the big fight on December 21 between [Oleksandr] Usyk and [Tyson] Fury,” Alalshikh told Sky Sports.
The Riyadh Season event is set to feature some of boxing’s biggest names, including Joshua, Dubois, Tyson Fury, and Oleksandr Usyk. “We aim to bring the biggest fights to determine the true champions in each division,” Alalshikh added.
![](https://i0.wp.com/ln247.news/wp-content/uploads/Anthony-Joshua-X-Dubois-1-large.webp?resize=596%2C336&ssl=1)
Last month, Joshua’s attempt to reclaim the world title ended in a stunning defeat as Dubois knocked him down multiple times at Wembley Stadium, eventually landing a decisive right hand in the fifth round. The loss marked Joshua’s fourth career defeat, sparking debates about his future in the sport.
Despite the setback, Joshua remains determined to continue his boxing career. His promoter has confirmed that the rematch with Dubois will be part of the Riyadh Season, a sports and entertainment festival running from October to early March.
Dubois’ promoter, Frank Warren, welcomed the rematch, emphasizing Dubois’ strategy that led to his victory. “It’s all about putting AJ on the back foot, which is what Daniel did,” Warren said. “When Joshua trades punches, he’s vulnerable, and Daniel took advantage of that.”
Eddie Hearn, who promotes Joshua, hinted that the rematch would likely take place in Riyadh as part of the ongoing festival. “Riyadh Season runs from October to the end of February and early March, so the rematch fits perfectly into that schedule,” Hearn commented.
Discover more from LN247
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.