Tony Bellew names the fight he thinks could be ‘brilliant’ for Anthony Joshua and it’s not a Daniel Dubois rematch

Tony Bellew Names the Fight He Thinks Could Be ‘Brilliant’ for Anthony Joshua – and It’s Not a Daniel Dubois Rematch

Former WBC cruiserweight champion Tony Bellew has weighed in on what could be next for Anthony Joshua, suggesting a fight that he believes could be “brilliant” for the British heavyweight star. However, it’s not the rematch against Daniel Dubois that some fans and analysts might expect.

Bellew, who remains an influential figure in British boxing both as a commentator and pundit, has shared his thoughts on Joshua’s next steps following his recent return to form with back-to-back victories over Jermaine Franklin and Robert Helenius in 2023.

A Different Path for Joshua

Many speculated that a rematch against Daniel Dubois, who controversially lost to Oleksandr Usyk in August 2023, could be on the cards for Joshua. Dubois’ camp felt that their fighter was unfairly denied after his low blow claim in the fifth round of the bout against Usyk, and a matchup with Joshua could provide a huge domestic showdown between two of the biggest names in British heavyweight boxing.

However, Bellew has proposed a more intriguing option: a fight between Anthony Joshua and the dangerous American heavyweight, Deontay Wilder. According to Bellew, a fight against Wilder would not only be a massive global event but also a stylistically fascinating matchup.

Bellew’s Thoughts on Wilder vs. Joshua

“Deontay Wilder is the fight for Joshua right now,” Bellew stated in an interview. “It’s a brilliant fight because of how their styles mesh. You’ve got Joshua, who has developed into more of a technical, safety-first fighter, and Wilder, who is still the most dangerous puncher in the division. That dynamic creates excitement.”

Bellew believes that while a fight with Dubois would draw attention, it wouldn’t have the global appeal or the level of competition that a bout against Wilder would offer. Wilder, known for his devastating knockout power, is coming off a rebound victory against Robert Helenius, showing he remains one of the top heavyweights in the world.

“Wilder can end the fight at any moment with that right hand,” Bellew added. “But Joshua has the size, strength, and boxing ability to control the fight if he’s smart. The risk makes it an electric matchup.”

Legacy and Motivation

A fight with Wilder would be crucial for both Joshua and Wilder. After losing to Usyk in 2021 and 2022, Joshua has been working to regain his place among the heavyweight elite. A win over Wilder would not only silence critics but also put him in line for a potential rematch with Tyson Fury or even Usyk.

For Wilder, after two losses to Fury, a victory over a former champion like Joshua would reinvigorate his own title ambitions and re-establish him as a dominant force in the division.

Bellew emphasized the magnitude of such a fight: “This is a fight that would sell out arenas worldwide, not just in the UK. It’s the kind of bout that gets the entire boxing world talking.”

Why Not Dubois?

Bellew is clear on why a Dubois rematch doesn’t hold the same weight right now. While Dubois has proven himself as a talented and dangerous fighter, his profile took a hit with the loss to Usyk, and he would likely need to rebuild his standing with a few more wins before a fight with Joshua makes sense on a competitive or commercial level.

“There’s no rush for AJ to fight Dubois,” Bellew explained. “That fight can happen down the line. But if we’re talking about what fight gets everyone excited and could define Joshua’s career moving forward, it’s got to be Wilder.”

The Potential of Joshua-Wilder

Boxing fans have long dreamed of a matchup between Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder, and Bellew’s endorsement only adds fuel to the fire. Both fighters are former champions, both have suffered setbacks, and both are looking for a marquee win to solidify their legacies.

Bellew’s assessment underscores what many in the boxing world already suspect: the time for Joshua vs. Wilder might finally be here. Whether or not it comes to fruition, one thing is clear—this is the fight that could make or break Anthony Joshua’s career.

Conclusion

Tony Bellew’s suggestion of a clash between Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder is more than just an exciting matchup; it’s potentially a career-defining moment for both men. With Bellew dismissing the need for a Dubois rematch in favor of a Wilder showdown, fans could be on the verge of witnessing one of the most thrilling heavyweight bouts in recent memory. All eyes are now on Joshua and his team to see if they agree with Bellew’s vision for the future.