Last month, Daniel Dubois defeated Anthony Joshua with the performance of his career, solidifying his place as the world heavyweight champion.
On fight night, “DDD” was just too much for Joshua, taking him out three times before a decisive knockout in the fifth. It was his first time defending the IBF title. Now, the focus is on his next move and whether or not he would challenge “AJ” to a straight-up rematch.
In an interview with Seconds Out, Dubois repeated remarks made recently by his promoter Frank Warren, stating that a rematch with Joshua is “a no brainer” and that it will take place if Joshua desires it to.
“The future has here. What comes next? We are now organizing our next course of action. AJ reportedly wants to face up again. We’ll see. I’d also like it if he did. That was our night to win. There’s no disrespect intended, but I was the better man that evening. I won’t disparage him in any way; we had a fantastic fight, and if we can get back together, it will be even larger.
When asked what his ultimate objective was, the 27-year-old replied that he wanted to win every heavyweight belt. He believes that fighting Anthony Joshua again is a wise decision because the other three big championships are at stake in the rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury.
“I would love to win every title possible and establish myself as the unquestioned champion. actually raise my game to a new level. I believe that I must continue to fight the hardest. I need to continue my streak because I defeated some of the world’s greatest fighters in my previous three fights. I think the AJ rematch is a step in the right direction. The fight just the way it was. It was thrilling and just what the fans had been hoping for. If we were to do it again, I would be much better and more willing.
Regarding what he might do differently, Dubois thinks he will be even more observant and concentrated, which will be difficult given that performance that was a career high.
I believe I’d be more willing to participate, without giving too much away. More belief in myself. I was game, but I wanted to be faster and more in control. Everything. I just feel like it’s my time, but AJ will definitely bring it and come to win like he did the last time. Winning the IBF title and being a world champion are just the cherry on top. I have to finish this run.
Warren has declared that Dubois will make his ring comeback in February of 2019. Joshua’s side appears to be the only one with the ability to decide whether to hold a rematch, so that decision may come as soon as this week.