Anthony Joshua has been told he can still earn a huge showdown clash with Tyson Fury if he can bounce back from his latest humbling defeat. Joshua took on Daniel Dubois at Wembley on Saturday night in a bid to become a three time world champion, but was taken apart by his British rival before being stopped in the fifth round.
It was the fourth defeat of the 34-year-old's professional career, and one which has raised fresh doubts over his future.
Promoter Eddie Hearn however, has dismissed speculation over retirement and insisted his man intends to activate the rematch clause in his contract.
A mega money match-up with Fury however, now appears further away than ever. Twice previously, the pair have publicly agreed to bouts only for negotiations to fall through, leaving British fans frustrated and accusing both icons of greed.
Had Joshua beaten Dubois, and Fury proceeded to win his world title rematch with Oleksandr Usyk in December, it was widely perceived the pair would finally meet in a unification bout in 2025. But Frank Warren, promoter of the 'Gypsy King', has now given hope to the 2012 Olympic gold medalist that a showdown could still take place.
Pressed on whether he thought a Joshua v Fury bout was now dead in the water, he told TalkSPORT: "I don't know. "I think people may still want it, if he comes back (Joshua) and has a win who knows.
"Fury has to face Usyk first in a rematch on December 21, but I fancy him to come through it. This heavyweight division is alive, losers fighting losers and winners fighting winners."
It remains to be seen whether 'AJ' gets the chance to notch that potentially pivotal win against Dubois. In an apparent riposte to Hearn's claim, Warren, 72, also clarified the situation around the next defence of the IBF world title holder, who he also manages through Queensberry Promotions.
"He doesn't have a rematch in his contract. But there is one in AJ's contract," he said. I haven't got a problem with a rematch if they want to do it and the terms are all okay. But it is too soon. He needs to savour the moment, he has shown what he is all about now fighting four world ranked fighters this year."
For his part, Dubois has stated he would happily face Joshua a second time, but was also open to taking on the winner of Fury v Usyk. However, the 27-year-old admitted the financial incentives would play a part in his eventual decision.
"I would love a rematch, but either one really - whoever pays me the most," he said, also appearing on talkSPORT. "If a rematch happens next then yeah. I want to go for it. I want to do it even better next time."
