Boxing legend Roy Jones Jr. has never been one to hold back his opinions, and his take on a potential Anthony Joshua vs. Daniel Dubois rematch is no exception. In a recent interview, Jones made it clear that if the two heavyweights meet in the ring again, he firmly believes Joshua will emerge victorious once more. His reasoning is based on Joshua’s superior experience, ring intelligence, and ability to make adjustments mid-fight—three key factors that Dubois has yet to fully master at the elite level.

Why Jones Favors Joshua in a Rematch

According to Roy Jones Jr., Joshua has already demonstrated his ability to handle Dubois’ style, which means he would enter a rematch with even more confidence and a refined strategy. He emphasized that Joshua has become a more composed and technically sound fighter, learning from his past setbacks to ensure that he doesn’t make the same mistakes twice.

Jones highlighted the following reasons why he believes Joshua has the upper hand:

Joshua’s Experience on the Big Stage Having fought elite-level opponents like Wladimir Klitschko, Andy Ruiz Jr., Oleksandr Usyk, and Joseph Parker, Joshua has been through wars that have sharpened his mental resilience. Dubois, on the other hand, is still relatively untested at the highest level, with his biggest fights exposing key weaknesses in his game.
Joshua’s Tactical Improvements: Since suffering losses to Usyk, Joshua has evolved as a fighter, focusing more on defense, movement, and strategy rather than just relying on his knockout power. This shift in approach makes him a more well-rounded and unpredictable opponent for Dubois.
Dubois’ Defensive Vulnerabilities: While Dubois possesses serious knockout power, his defense and ability to absorb punishment remain questionable. Joshua’s ability to set traps and capitalize on openings could expose Dubois’ weaknesses even further in a rematch.

Jones believes that Dubois’ best chance would be to go for an early knockout, but if Joshua survives the early rounds, his superior conditioning and skill set would allow him to take over the fight and secure another decisive victory.

Can Dubois prove Jones wrong?

Despite Jones’ prediction, Dubois remains a dangerous threat. At just 26 years old, he has time to improve and evolve. If he gets a rematch against Joshua, he would need to make major adjustments to avoid the same fate as before. Here’s what he must do:

Refine His Defense: Dubois cannot afford to be as hittable as he was in previous fights. He needs to improve his head movement, footwork, and ability to slip punches if he hopes to last against Joshua’s powerful combinations.
Increase His Work Rate: Joshua is known for fighting at a controlled pace, so Dubois should increase his pressure and force Joshua to fight at a higher tempo, potentially catching him off guard.
Target the Body: Joshua has been vulnerable to body shots in the past. If Dubois can land clean body punches early, he might slow Joshua down and create opportunities to land bigger shots later in the fight.

Dubois is at a crucial stage in his career, where every fight is an opportunity to prove that he belongs among the best. If he wants to silence critics like Roy Jones Jr., he must show that he has learned from his past fights and evolved into a smarter, more disciplined fighter.

Joshua’s Bigger Picture: Is This Rematch Necessary?

While a rematch with Dubois could be a good test, Joshua’s main goal remains a fight with Tyson Fury. For years, fans have been waiting for the ultimate British heavyweight showdown, but negotiations have repeatedly fallen apart. If Joshua takes on Dubois and wins convincingly, it strengthens his case for a Fury fight, proving that he is still at the top of the division.

On the other hand, some analysts argue that Joshua does not need this rematch at all. They believe he should focus on either facing the winner of Fury vs. Usyk or taking on a top-tier international contender like Deontay Wilder or Filip Hrgović instead of revisiting a fight he has already won.

Conclusion: Will the Rematch Happen?

As of now, there is no official confirmation that Joshua vs. Dubois II will take place. However, if Dubois continues winning and Joshua remains on his current path, the fight could become an unavoidable clash in British boxing. With Roy Jones Jr. firmly believing Joshua will win again, the pressure is on Dubois to prove the doubters wrong and show that he has what it takes to dethrone a former champion.