Former British boxer Amir Khan has backed Anthony Joshua’s decision to turn down an immediate rematch with Daniel Dubois, insisting it was the smartest move for the British-Nigerian fighter.
Speaking exclusively to Prime Casino, Khan argued that Dubois is a nightmare opponent for Joshua and that avoiding a second fight, at least for now, was the right call.
“I don’t think he should have taken that rematch. It’s the best choice he’s made,” Khan said.
He described Dubois as a “bogeyman” for Joshua, someone who perfectly exploited his fighting style during their previous encounter. Khan believes Joshua is better off pursuing high-paying fights against less dangerous opponents before even considering a rematch.
“I think he made the right choice by not taking it now, but in the future, it’s still a fight. And even if he never fights him again, he tried, it happened. We’re all prize fighters, and at this time, he can make money elsewhere with an easier opponent,” he added.
Joshua suffered a brutal fifth-round stoppage defeat to Dubois at Wembley last September, derailing his quest to become a three-time world heavyweight champion. His camp later cited injuries and insufficient preparation as reasons for rejecting an immediate rematch.
Dubois has since moved on, with speculation linking him to a potential rematch with Oleksandr Usyk for an undisputed title shot. Meanwhile, Joshua’s next move remains uncertain, especially with Tyson Fury’s potential retirement adding further confusion to the heavyweight division.
One possible option for Joshua is a showdown with WBO Interim Champion Joseph Parker, who has expressed interest in a rematch. However, with the heavyweight landscape shifting rapidly, Joshua’s future remains a subject of intense debate.
