Whyte Criticizes Anthony Joshua for Avoiding Immediate Rematch with Dubois

Former heavyweight title challenger Dillian Whyte has criticized Anthony Joshua for not pursuing an immediate rematch with Daniel Dubois after his stunning knockout loss at Wembley Stadium in September 2024. Whyte, 36, believes Joshua missed a significant opportunity by not taking the immediate rematch, which he sees as a chance for redemption and a big payday.

Speaking to Sky Sports News, Whyte said, “He made a huge mistake not taking the immediate rematch with Dubois. It was a world title fight, a great payday, and the perfect opportunity. He will forever have to suffer the memes of being face-planted at Wembley by Dubois.”

Whyte, who lost to Joshua by seventh-round stoppage in their first encounter a decade ago, reflected on his own experience with defeat and rematches. Drawing a comparison to his own loss to Alexander Povetkin, Whyte recalled how he demanded a rematch right away, emphasizing that nothing mattered until he avenged the loss. “When I lost to Povetkin, I crashed Eddie Hearn’s live interview and demanded the rematch. It’s a mindset thing. I want to fight AJ and Tyson again because they both beat me,” he said.

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Promoter Eddie Hearn recently revealed that Joshua has several options for his next fight, including the possibility of facing Whyte in a rematch. The two were scheduled to meet in 2023, but the bout was canceled due to a failed drugs test by Whyte.

Meanwhile, IBF champion Daniel Dubois is set to defend his title against Joseph Parker on February 22 in Riyadh, with the winner potentially securing a future showdown with Joshua.

Joshua’s career appears uncertain, especially with Tyson Fury’s unexpected retirement announcement, which dashed hopes for the long-awaited British showdown. Hearn, however, remains optimistic that Fury’s retirement may be temporary, suggesting it could be a negotiating tactic. “None of us know what Fury will do next, but if we are to see the fight in the summer, he would probably have to come out of retirement in the next three or four weeks,” Hearn said.

Joshua has remained silent on Fury’s retirement, and Hearn noted that his fighter typically avoids commenting on such developments. Joshua’s recent visit to Nigeria, where he met with President Bola Tinubu, has also fueled speculation about his next steps.