September 19th 2024.
The highly anticipated fight between Joshua and Fury is still being talked about as "the biggest fight in boxing." Despite Fury potentially facing another defeat against Oleksandr Usyk in December, there is still a possibility of the two facing off in 2025. This weekend, Joshua will be taking on Daniel Dubois for the IBF heavyweight title at Wembley Stadium. Interestingly enough, this is the same belt that Usyk had to vacate after becoming the undisputed world champion in May.
The rematch between Usyk and Fury will be a showdown for the WBO, WBA, and WBC belts on December 21st. The long-awaited "Battle of Britain" between Joshua and Fury has been in the works for some time now, but unfortunately fell through on multiple occasions. However, even if Fury suffers a defeat in December, the demand for this epic showdown remains high. Matchroom CEO Frank Smith believes that this fight must happen next year or it may never happen at all.
But the decision ultimately lies with Joshua, who will have the choice between facing Fury or seeking revenge against Usyk, whom he has lost to twice in the past. Smith states, "The Fury fight has been talked about for far too long, but we are closer than ever to seeing it happen." When asked about the possibility of boxing reaching a "now or never" point for Joshua vs Fury, Smith responds with a resounding "100%." He is confident that this fight will finally come to fruition, and if Joshua is successful in his match against Dubois, he will be the most sought-after opponent in the heavyweight division.
Smith emphasizes that the fight with Fury is not just about the belts, but also about the history and the rivalry between the two. While fighters never want to lose, it does not mean that the fight won't happen. As we have seen in the past, unexpected outcomes can lead to even bigger and more historic fights. Smith is certain that we will witness the biggest fights in boxing in the coming months.
But before the potential clash with Fury, Joshua must first face the formidable challenge of Dubois, who recently became the IBF champion with impressive victories over Jarrell Miller and Filip Hrgovic. Smith admits that Dubois was not on Joshua's radar a year ago, and questions whether he can handle the pressure of fighting on such a grand stage. "I don't think a lot of people expected Dubois to beat Filip Hrgovic, but he has worked his way back up after the Joe Joyce loss and has always taken on any challenge thrown at him."
However, Smith believes that it may be too early for Dubois to face Joshua, who is currently in the best form of his life and has a wealth of experience in the ring. He also notes that Dubois has not yet been in the spotlight as the main event in such a large-scale event, and the pressure may get to him. Nevertheless, Smith praises the work and loyalty shown by Dubois' promoter Frank Warren and Queensberry Promotions in building him into a heavyweight star.
Although there were talks of Joshua potentially signing Dubois in the early days, it never came to fruition. Smith acknowledges the tremendous job that Warren and Queensberry have done in developing Dubois, and the loyalty shown by both parties. "When someone shows you loyalty, you are going to do everything to get them in these positions," he says. Ultimately, this loyalty has led to Dubois being in the spotlight this weekend, as the co-main event to the highly anticipated Joshua vs Dubois fight.
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