Anthony Joshua given 48-hour deadline to accept Daniel Dubois rematch for February after crushing KO defeat
FRANK WARREN has given Anthony Joshua two days to take up his offer of a February rematch with Daniel Dubois.
AJ was stunned by Dubois in their Best of British dust-up at Wembley Stadium in September.
Joshua hit the canvas FOUR times as Triple D showed off his devastating power in front of 96,000 fight fans.
The 27-year-old eventually forced victory in the fifth round as AJ's corner threw in the towel.
Joshua initially maintained that he would box Dubois again in a 2025 rematch, shelving any talk of retirement.
The pair had been expected to fight again in Saudi Arabia next February.
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But AJ's promoter Eddie Hearn claimed last month the turnaround was too quick for his man.
Warren has now challenged Joshua to rise to the challenge and accept the fight within the next 48 hours if he wants to win back his belts.
Asked if the fight was "dead in the water," Dubois' promoter Warren : "Unless [AJ] gets back to us in the next 48 hours, yes.
"I'd like to make an announcement tomorrow, if possible.
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"But I don't think we'll be doing anything for the next week."
Reports suggest Joshua is currently carrying injuries and would prefer to wait until May to fight again.
"I still believe AJ would probably beat him in a rematch if he boxed differently, but that's just my opinion.
"More likely, a sensible person doesn't rush anything.
How AJ punched his way to the top
ANTHONY JOSHUA punched his way to the top of the world before being knocked off his perch.
From humble origins in Watford to Olympic hero, the boxer has made a heavyweight impact in and out of the ring.
Eddie Hearn claims a collision with rival Tyson Fury could be worth a whopping £200million.
The pair's bitter feud saw them refuse to say a word to each other as they met Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia.
Joshua has already hinted at when he will hang up his gloves.
And he revealed why his son will NEVER be allowed to box. despite amassing a £215m empire thanks to the sweet science.
AJ enjoys a lavish lifestyle including private jets and a £350k watch.
His career and sponsorship deals have seen him swap his council estate upbringing for a luxury car collection.
London hairdresser Kika Osunde is believed to have swept the KO king off his feet.
But Joshua still lives with his mum Yeta when he is not on the road.
Check out all our latest Anthony Joshua articles.
"You take your time. But he's his own man and he's gonna make his own call.
"And I guess my gut feeling is the warrior still burns within Anthony Joshua and he will want to try once more.
"My crystal ball starts to clear every now and again. A Daniel Dubois rematch would be a big fight."
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Last month, IBF President Caryl Peoples confirmed Dubois "can make an optional defence against any ranked fighter before April 22, 2025".
That came after he was quizzed about a possible showdown between Triple D and Fabio Wardley.