Following his impressive victory over Filip Hrgovic to solidify Team Queensberry’s win in the Saudi ‘5 vs 5’ card, Daniel Dubois has become the leading choice for Anthony Joshua’s next opponent in Wembley, on September 21st. The AJ vs Dubois card would be a Saudi-backed card, and could feature a host of fights on the undercard.
In an interview, Eddie Hearn stated, ‘If it’s for the IBF world title, then Dubois is the front-runner, if it’s not for the world title it could be Zhang, could be Parker’. Whether the title will be on the line or not is yet to be revealed, as Usyk has opted to rematch Tyson Fury, rather than face then-mandatory challenger, Filip Hrgovic. With DuBois having won the IBF interim belt, AJ vs Dubois could be Joshua’s chance to become a three-time world champion.
The opponent will officially be announced in a press conference scheduled for the 26th of June, Hearn says.
AJ vs Dubois Undercard
There has been much speculation as to which bouts may land on the undercard of September’s Wembley event, which is sure to feature some great fights across the major promotional outfits.
Inoue vs Doheny / Akhmadaliev
It has been long-speculated that Naoya Inoue may feature on the AJ vs Dubois card, against Ireland’s TJ Doheny, or even Uzbek, MJ Akhmadaliev. This comes after Sam Goodman opted to risk his status as mandatory challenger to Inoue by instead facing Chainoi Worawut first. However, Bob Arum has suggested if the Doheny fight is next, it will more likely land in Japan.
Wardley vs Clarke 2
According to Ben Shalom, it’s possible that another big fight on the undercard will be the rematch between Fabio Wardley and Frazer Clarke following their all-British grudge that ended in a draw.
Sheeraz vs Eubank Jr / Lara
Additionally, when interviewed on TalkSport yesterday, Hamzah Sheeraz suggested he would like to feature on the card, and stated his next fight will ideally be either against Chris Eubank Jr, or for a world title. With Janibek Alimkhanuly and Carlos Adames already scheduled in their own respective fights soon, the only option for a world title is Erislandy Lara. Sheeraz comes off an emphatic stoppage win over Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams.
Kelly vs Smith
It is also rumoured that ‘Pretty Boy’ Josh Kelly will take on Liam ‘Beefy’ Smith, with Smith coming off a loss to Eubank Jr, and Kelly coming off a win over Placido Ramirez.
Buatsi vs Hutchinson
Finally, following the recent contract dispute between Anthony Yarde and Queensberry, Yarde withdrew from the ordered Buatsi fight, and Buatsi is now ordered to face Willy Hutchinson, who comes off a win against Craig Richards, for the WBO interim light-heavyweight title. There are rumours this fight lands on the AJ vs Dubois undercard.
Though nothing is yet confirmed, this potential undercard for AJ vs Dubois could make a great night of boxing:
- Anthony Joshua vs Daniel Dubois
- Naoya Inoue vs MJ Akhmadaliev
- Fabio Wardley vs Frazer Clarke 2
- Hamzah Sheeraz vs Chris Eubank Jr or Erislandy Lara
- Josh Kelly vs Liam Smith
- Joshua Buatsi vs Willy Hutchinson.
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