In a blunt and candid assessment, heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has shared his honest thoughts on the recently announced rematch between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois, scheduled for February 22, 2025. Usyk, a man who has fought both competitors, did not mince words when he declared, “It shouldn’t happen.” His criticism comes on the heels of Joshua’s humiliating defeat in their first encounter on September 21, where the former two-time heavyweight champion was expected to dominate but left boxing experts baffled by his underwhelming performance.

Usyk believes that a rematch between Joshua and Dubois isn’t warranted, especially after Joshua’s performance in the initial fight, where he was knocked out by Dubois in a shocking upset. “It shouldn’t happen,” Usyk told reporters, adding that Joshua’s technical ability during the fight fell far short of expectations. Many experts agree with Usyk’s sentiment, questioning whether Joshua, with his credentials as a two-time world champion and a highly regarded heavyweight, should have performed better in their first match.

Usyk, who has fought both Joshua and Dubois, expressed his belief that the rematch would not offer much in terms of excitement or improvement in the division. “Joshua should have done better. He’s a professional, he’s been at the top, but that wasn’t the Joshua we all know,” Usyk commented, reflecting on Joshua’s apparent lack of technical sharpness and confidence in the September bout.

When Joshua entered the ring on September 21, he was seen as the overwhelming favorite to defeat Dubois, a younger but less accomplished heavyweight. Despite Joshua’s status as a former unified heavyweight champion, his performance in the fight left many scratching their heads. Instead of a clinical display of the technical prowess he had shown earlier in his career, Joshua appeared sluggish and unable to find his rhythm. The fight ended in a knockout loss that sent shockwaves through the boxing world and raised doubts about Joshua’s future at the elite level.

Many pundits have pointed to Joshua’s psychological state and the impact that previous losses, particularly to Usyk, may have had on his confidence. Others, like Usyk, have emphasized his lack of technical adaptability in recent bouts, arguing that Joshua has struggled to adjust to high-pressure situations against skilled opponents.

In light of the first fight’s outcome, Usyk’s critique of the upcoming rematch centers around the notion that it doesn’t add value to the heavyweight division. From Usyk’s perspective, Joshua’s recent performances have been inconsistent, and a rematch with Dubois may not provide the competitive excitement or progression that fans desire. Usyk’s own experience fighting both men gives him a unique vantage point, as he bested Joshua twice, while his victory over Dubois, despite controversy over a low blow, further solidifies his stance.

Usyk’s comments reflect the growing frustration among boxing purists who believe the heavyweight division needs new, more competitive matchups. Instead of a rematch between Joshua and Dubois, many fans and analysts are calling for fights that push the boundaries of the division, such as potential showdowns involving Usyk, Tyson Fury, or other rising stars.

As Joshua and Dubois prepare for their February rematch, the pressure is mounting for both fighters to deliver a performance worthy of the heavyweight stage. For Joshua, this rematch represents a crucial turning point in his career—one that will either reaffirm his position as a contender or further erode his standing among the heavyweight elite. Meanwhile, Dubois, fresh off his upset victory, will look to solidify his place among the top heavyweights and prove that his first win over Joshua wasn’t a fluke.

Regardless of Usyk’s critique, the rematch will proceed, but the lingering question remains: Will it offer redemption for Joshua, or will it solidify Dubois as a rising force in the heavyweight ranks?