Anthony Joshua 'could be forced' into Tyson Fury fight amid injury concern
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Anthony Joshua's potential rematch with Daniel Dubois in February has been cast into doubt due to minor injuries and timing issues.
Eddie Hearn, Joshua's promoter, told BBC Sport that whilst AJ "desperately wants revenge", there are concerns about the tight turnaround.
"For the rematch to happen in February, training camp will have to start in a couple of weeks," Hearn explained.
"There are always niggles and he had a few so physically it's just a case of whether AJ is ready to do that."
The uncertainty comes just months after Dubois shocked Joshua with a fifth-round knockout at Wembley Stadium in September.
Hearn further elaborated on the timing concerns in an interview with Sky Sports. "Ideally we'd like to return around May time," he said.
Anthony Joshua's injury problems could force him into a change of plan
PA
"It does feel as though it's coming on quite quickly."
The promoter emphasised that Joshua has categorically expressed his desire for the rematch.
However, the decision on whether he will be ready for February is yet to be made.
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"From a body perspective we could probably do with a little bit more time ideally," Hearn added.
"Sometimes it's not ideal and you just go for it. But we just need to decide are we going to be ready."
Daniel Dubois, the IBF heavyweight champion, is set to defend his title in February regardless of Joshua's decision.
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With the Dubois rematch uncertain, Joshua may instead set his sights on a potential bout with Tyson Fury.
Hearn told BBC Sport: "It would be frustrating if we made the Dubois rematch and Fury won [vs Oleksandr Usyk]. Then we're sitting there going 'hang on a minute, we're fighting Dubois but we could have fought Fury in May for the biggest fight in boxing.'"
The promoter added: "Win or lose, we can fight Fury next summer. But if he wins, AJ fights him for the world title."
Daniel Dubois knocked Anthony Joshua out in their first contest
PA
Frank Warren, Dubois' promoter, told Sky Sports: "Daniel will defend his title in February and if it's not Joshua then it'll be against somebody who is ranked in the top five."
Warren added that Dubois would take the rematch "in a heartbeat" but questioned whether Joshua's team would advise him to do so.
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Anthony Joshua could face Tyson Fury next instead
Reuters
The IBF rules allow Dubois a nine-month window for a voluntary defence, which opened the possibility for the Joshua rematch.
However, after this period, Dubois must fulfil a mandatory title defence.
Fury is set to face Usyk on 21 December, with the outcome potentially influencing Joshua's next move.
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