James Ali Bashir, the American trainer who previously coached Ukrainian world champion Oleksandr Usyk and now works with Ukrainian heavyweight Vladyslav Sirenko, shared his insight on why promoter Eddie Hearn is hesitant to arrange a rematch between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois.
According to Bashir, Hearn has more intriguing options lined up for his client.
“I believe his promoter wants to see what unfolds in the Fury-Usyk rematch. He’s not eager to set up this fight with Dubois because he sees a bigger prize—one that could lead to a Joshua showdown with Fury. That's why there’s hesitation about Joshua stepping back into a rematch with Dubois. It’s a risky fight.
And from a financial standpoint, it’s far better for Joshua to face Fury. That’s what I think Eddie Hearn is aiming for,” Bashir explained.
In September, Dubois knocked out Joshua in the fifth round. Initially, there was strong talk of a rematch, but now it appears a second immediate fight is off the table.