Joshua right to turn down Dubois rematch – Khan

Former British boxer Amir Khan believes Anthony Joshua should forget about a rematch with Daniel Dubois, declaring that ‘AJ’ was right to turn down an immediate return fight after his devastating knockout defeat last September.

Speaking exclusively to Prime Casino, the fan-favourite boxer said Joshua made a brilliant and smart decision by avoiding an immediate rematch with the powerful IBF Champion.

“I don’t think he should have taken that re-match. It’s the best choice he’s made,” Khan said.

Khan was particularly critical of Joshua’s chances against Dubois, describing him as a bogeyman who perfectly exploited the British Nigerian’s fighting style in their previous encounter.

While acknowledging that Joshua might eventually need to confront Dubois, Khan believes his fellow British boxer is currently better served seeking easier opponents that guarantee significant financial rewards.

“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 said.

“You always have that one opponent who is always going to be the bogeyman, who is always going to beat the style that AJ has, and I think that is Dubois. He was punch perfect when I saw that fight.”

The fight in question saw Joshua suffer a brutal fifth-round stoppage at Wembley, effectively halting his bid to become a three-time world heavyweight champion. Joshua’s team cited injuries and insufficient preparation time when declining an immediate rematch.

Dubois has since moved on, with rumours suggesting he is more likely to rematch Oleksandr Usyk for an undisputed title shot. Meanwhile, Joshua remains without a clear path to a major bout, with Tyson Fury’s retirement further complicating the heavyweight landscape.

The only potential immediate option appears to be Joseph Parker, the WBO Interim Champion, who has expressed willingness to face Joshua again.