Eddie Hearn on AJ vs. Dubois: “Not Done Yet”
Eddie Hearn has clarified that the much-anticipated fight between Anthony Joshua (AJ) and Daniel Dubois is not finalized. Despite a press conference scheduled for June 26 in London, the Matchroom chief emphasized that the deal is still in the negotiation phase.
In a recent interview with iFL TV, the 45-year-old promoter appeared visibly frustrated as he disclosed the uncertainty surrounding the proposed fight. Hearn stated, “There’s nothing done yet. Honestly, genuinely. We’re in final negotiations for AJ’s fight – nothing is agreed yet. I’m telling you right now, the fight with Dubois is not done and if it doesn’t get done, we won’t fight.”
When asked about alternative opponents, Hearn mentioned keeping his “options open” but reaffirmed their primary focus. “We’re focused on fighting Daniel Dubois for the world title at Wembley. But it is not all agreed, there’s still work to be done. But 100% myself, his excellency [Turki Alalshikh], George Warren – we’re all working together to make it happen. That’s the absolute focus, no one’s trying to be clever and hopefully that all gets in order for the big press conference next week.”
A preliminary date for the Joshua-Dubois showdown at Wembley Stadium is set for September 21. Joshua, taking to social media earlier this week, expressed optimism about the negotiations. He wrote on X, “Nearly finished my negotiations for my next fight! Feeling motivated.”
Joshua’s last fight in March saw him secure a knockout victory over MMA star-turned-pro boxer Francis Ngannou at the Kingdom Arena in Saudi Arabia. Despite doubts about how Joshua would perform against Ngannou, especially after the former UFC heavyweight champion went the distance with Tyson Fury in October 2023, Joshua delivered a knockout punch in the second round, showcasing his prowess in the ring.
Dubois, with a record of 21-2, is no stranger to high-stakes bouts. Known as Dynamite DDD, he has defeated notable fighters like Filip Hrgović, Jarrell Miller, and Kevin Lerena. His only losses have come at the hands of undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk and Joe Joyce, marking him as a formidable opponent for Joshua.
As negotiations continue, fans eagerly await confirmation of the fight. The potential clash between Joshua and Dubois promises to be a significant event in the boxing calendar, provided all parties can come to an agreement.
