Daniel Dubois vs Anthony Joshua rematch looking increasingly likely to happen next as Eddie Hearn reveals Turki Alalshikh’s plan

Daniel Dubois vs Anthony Joshua Rematch: Increasingly Likely as Eddie Hearn Reveals Saudi Involvement

In what could be one of the biggest heavyweight rematches of 2024, talks of a potential bout between Daniel Dubois and Anthony Joshua are heating up, with Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s long-time promoter, shedding light on a key factor — Saudi Arabia’s growing involvement in the sport.

During a recent interview, Hearn hinted that Turki Alalshikh, head of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, is playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of boxing in the region. Alalshikh, who has been instrumental in bringing major events like Joshua vs. Usyk to the Middle East, is reportedly interested in staging the Dubois-Joshua rematch in Saudi Arabia, a move that would once again place the kingdom at the center of the boxing world.

The Build-Up: Why Dubois vs. Joshua Matters

Anthony Joshua, the former two-time unified heavyweight champion, is in the midst of rebuilding his career following losses to Oleksandr Usyk and a less-than-dominant victory over Jermaine Franklin. Dubois, on the other hand, is looking to bounce back from a controversial stoppage loss to Usyk, where he knocked down the Ukrainian but was denied victory due to a debated low-blow ruling. Many believe Dubois has unfinished business at the elite level, and a rematch against Joshua could provide him with the perfect platform to reclaim his status as one of Britain’s top heavyweights.

The first meeting between Joshua and Dubois ended in a dramatic TKO victory for Joshua. Since then, both fighters have taken different paths. While Joshua has been focused on carefully plotting his return to the summit of the division, Dubois has been hungry to prove himself, showing moments of brilliance but failing to clinch the biggest wins.

Saudi Arabia’s Influence in Boxing

Saudi Arabia has emerged as a major player in global sports, particularly boxing, with significant financial backing and a desire to host marquee events. Turki Alalshikh has been a key figure in promoting these high-profile matchups, and Hearn’s revelation suggests that Saudi Arabia is keen on bringing the Dubois-Joshua rematch to life.

If the fight does take place in Saudi Arabia, it would likely continue the country’s tradition of hosting mega-fights, including Joshua’s rematch against Andy Ruiz in 2019 and his bout with Usyk in 2022. The Saudi backing provides a lucrative incentive for both fighters, ensuring that this fight could be a major box-office draw.

What’s at Stake?

For Anthony Joshua, a win over Dubois would cement his status as one of the top heavyweights still vying for a world title shot. It could set up a showdown with current champions