IBF orders Dubois vs. Joshua rematch to happen before deadline

The International Boxing Federation (IBF) has set a firm deadline for a potential rematch between Daniel Dubois and Anthony Joshua, requiring the bout to occur by April 22, 2025. This stipulation follows Dubois’s victory over Joshua in their first encounter at Wembley Stadium, where he retained the IBF heavyweight title in a decisive five-round knockout. 

According to IBF regulations, any optional defenses or bouts must conclude at least 60 days before a champion’s mandatory defense, which is scheduled for June 21, 2025. Dubois will learn his mandatory challenger in the spring, likely the winner of an eliminator between Agit Kabayel and Martin Bakole. 

Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, remains optimistic about a rematch, adding that Joshua was looking forward to winning the title and would be hard pressed to give up the idea of a rematch. Hearn stated that Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh is also interested in facilitating this rematch as part of their ongoing partnership with Matchroom Boxing. Despite some calls for Joshua to pursue other opponents like Deontay Wilder or Dillian Whyte, the rematch with Dubois appears to be the most lucrative option for both fighters. 

The IBF’s decision comes amid discussions about Joshua’s future in boxing. Some analysts have suggested that he might need to reconsider his career trajectory following his recent defeat. However, Hearn insists that Joshua is committed to reclaiming his title and views the rematch as an essential step in that journey. 

Like Hearn, Dubois’s promoter, Frank Warren, also acknowledged other potential opponents but recognises that a rematch with Joshua would likely be the most financially rewarding option. With both fighters expressing interest and the IBF’s clear timeline, all that seems to be left is for contracts to be signed and a formal match day to be announced, which we can expect to happen.