Anthony Joshua’s career is under threat after Eddie Hearn claimed he expects Joshua to seek a rematch against Daniel Dubois.
AJ suffered the worst defeat of his career after he was beaten in five rounds by his fellow Brit at Wembley.
The 34-year-old hopes to become the sixth three-time heavyweight champion ever in an IBF world title fight.
By doing so, a strong Watford side will earn their ticket to face the winner Tyson FuryRematch with Oleksandr Usyk.
However, all talk of the undeniable seemed to disappear after Joshua was knocked down four times in front of 96,000 fans at Wembley Stadium.
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AJ – once Britain’s most lucrative boxer – has a rematch clause for a second chance against an opponent who once beat him.
2012 Olympic gold medal winner quickly avenged his shocking loss to Andy Ruiz in June 2019while he was on a losing streak pound-for-pound king And former undisputed champion Usyk.
His latest setback came in very different circumstances, having entered as a contender before ultimately being decisively knocked out.
Dubois will be hoping to get an undisputed roadmap ahead of Joshua, but Hearn suggests AJ could be ready for redemption.
Matchroom promoter told DAZN: “I’m sure he will [Anthony Joshua] the rematch clause exercise, that’s for sure.
“He needs a break, but this is a dangerous fight, this guy keeps growing in confidence, but he believes he can hurt Dubois, he believes he can beat him, but full credit to him. Daniel DuboisHe deserves all the praise tonight.”
Hearn’s shocking revelation contradicts initial claims made by rival promoters Frank Warrenwho represents Dubois.
Promoter Queensberry Warren stated when the Joshua vs Dubois fight was announced in June that the winner would face the winner of December’s rematch between Fury and Usyk.
It is unusual for a challenger to have a rematch clause in their fight contract, but Joshua is the A-side of the Wembley card, with defending champion ‘DDD’ make the entrance first.
A second fight with Dynamite Dan might be the last thing on AJ’s mind after the nightmare he had in his return fight.
Joshua, who tasted the canvas in every bar of the second round, finally fell after 59 seconds in Round 5.
“That was the first round, after that, he fought with all his heart and determination. I was very proud because he never gave up, his legs were deceiving him and he kept trying,” added Hearn.
“When you face a great fighter, this is what can happen. He never stopped trying to get up, even when he couldn’t get up at the end.
“Daniel deserves praise, he is a true world champion. Congratulations to him.”