Former WBC cruiserweight champion Tony Bellew has backed Anthony Joshua’s return to the ring for a rematch with Daniel Dubois, as Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk prepare for their highly awaited heavyweight unification showdown in Saudi Arabia on December 21.
Bellew told Spaceport Sweden that he believes Joshua can recover from his stunning knockout loss to Dubois at Wembley Stadium in September.
“I wouldn’t doubt that he’ll be back for a single second. As long as he’s still hungry and has the desire, he’ll be back,” Bellew said.
The former champion believes Joshua, who has earned over $200m in his career, including $75m from fights in 2024 alone, will take his time before making any decisions about his future.
“It’s a smart move to sit and wait. Just let it all unfold in front of you and then all he has to do is decide in January. Enjoy Christmas, and enjoy your New Year. Enjoy your time,” Bellew added.
Joshua, who started 2024 with a victory over Francis Ngannou before losing to Dubois, still has one fight remaining on his lucrative Riyadh Season contract.
Meanwhile, IBF heavyweight champion Dubois has confirmed his interest in a rematch with Joshua, despite being scheduled to defend his title against Joseph Parker in February.
“As a fighter, I would love to get in the ring and put the final touches on our rivalry,” Dubois told the Mirror recently.
Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn has indicated that the British-Nigerian won’t return to action until at least May 2024, with multiple options available, including a potential clash with the winner of the WBC interim title fight between Zhilei Zhang and Agit Kabayel.
However, Bellew suggests Joshua’s immediate focus should be on the Dubois rematch rather than the upcoming Fury-Usyk clash.
“I think the last thing on Anthony Joshua’s mind right now is one of those two. I think his goal and his focus will be on Daniel Dubois,” Bellew said.
