Daniel Dubois vs Anthony Joshua rematch unlikely to take place in UK as location is revealed by Eddie Hearn

Daniel Dubois vs Anthony Joshua Rematch Unlikely to Take Place in the UK as Eddie Hearn Reveals Location

In a recent interview, boxing promoter Eddie Hearn revealed that a potential rematch between British heavyweight contenders Daniel Dubois and Anthony Joshua is unlikely to take place in the United Kingdom. According to Hearn, various logistical factors, financial considerations, and the global appeal of heavyweight boxing are pushing the bout to more lucrative venues outside the UK.

Hearn’s Location Preference: The Middle East

While both fighters enjoy strong fan bases in the UK, Hearn hinted that the rematch could be staged in the Middle East, a region that has increasingly become a prime destination for high-profile boxing events. Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing has previously promoted major bouts in Saudi Arabia, including Joshua’s highly-anticipated rematch with Andy Ruiz Jr. in December 2019, which took place in Riyadh. Hearn cited the region’s willingness to offer substantial financial backing, along with state-of-the-art facilities, as significant factors in the decision.

“The UK will always have a special place in the careers of both fighters, but from a commercial standpoint, the offers coming in from places like Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi are difficult to ignore. The financial packages are on another level, and they can host events of this magnitude with more ease,” Hearn explained in a press statement.

Why the UK May Miss Out

The UK’s passion for boxing is unquestionable, but recent issues related to venue capacity, pay-per-view earnings, and taxation have made it challenging for promoters to host the biggest bouts there. Major arenas such as Wembley Stadium and the O2 Arena are capable of drawing large crowds, but when weighed against the monetary incentives offered by Middle Eastern countries, hosting such a marquee fight in the UK becomes less viable.

Moreover, the Middle East has increasingly become a central hub for elite boxing matches. The region’s growing appetite for sports investment and global events has attracted the attention of top promoters like Hearn, who believes that the infrastructure and guarantees provided make it a prime destination.

Dubois’ Current Status and His Road to Joshua

Daniel Dubois, still in recovery mode after his controversial loss to Oleksandr Usyk in their August 2024 clash for the unified heavyweight titles, remains eager to return to the ring. A rematch against Joshua, whom many consider one of the biggest names in heavyweight boxing, could represent Dubois’ shot at redemption and offer an opportunity to reset his career trajectory.

Joshua, on the other hand, has been rebuilding his career following his two consecutive defeats to Usyk in 2021 and 2022. His dominant wins over Jermaine Franklin and Robert Helenius in 2023 showed flashes of the old “AJ,” but critics argue that the former two-time world champion is still searching for the same destructive form that made him a global superstar. A rematch with Dubois could serve as a pivotal point in both fighters’ respective journeys, with a possible title eliminator at stake.

Fan Reactions and Expectations

While the Middle East has hosted significant bouts in recent years, UK boxing fans will undoubtedly be disappointed by the prospect of missing out on a high-profile rematch between two of their own. Many fans hoped for a homecoming event, given Joshua’s history of selling out iconic venues in the UK and Dubois’ desire to elevate his profile on British soil. Still, Hearn emphasized that despite the venue, the fight would be accessible to fans worldwide through pay-per-view platforms.

The clash between Joshua and Dubois is expected to draw attention from across the globe, given the stakes for both fighters. Dubois, still young and hungry, will be looking to prove that his controversial loss to Usyk was a fluke, while Joshua hopes to solidify his status as one of the sport’s all-time greats.

Final Thoughts

While the UK may not host the highly anticipated rematch between Daniel Dubois and Anthony Joshua, Eddie Hearn’s revelation about the likely location in the Middle East underscores the region’s growing significance in the world of boxing. For now, fans will have to wait for further details, but one thing remains clear—the next chapter in the saga of Dubois and Joshua promises to be a must-see spectacle, wherever it takes place.