Despite early predictions of an instant rematch between the British heavyweights, PUNCH Sports Extra says that Frank Warren has ruled out the likelihood of IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois and Anthony Joshua meeting each other again in a rematch of their September fight.

The seasoned promoter acknowledged to BoxNation that he was looking at alternative options for Dubois’ upcoming bout, which is set for February 22, while Joshua recovers from the injuries he suffered in their previous encounter.

We are now examining a few options since I don’t see it (the Joshua rematch) occurring next. Although I had hoped that we might finish it really fast, Warren stated that we would not be able to do so.

When Dubois unexpectedly knocked out Joshua at Wembley in September to successfully defend his IBF world championship for the first time, he stunned the boxing world and became an immediate household figure in British boxing.

Dubois was the favourite going into the proposed second fight, and the decisive victory had raised hopes for an instant rematch. However, the likelihood of the rematch is called into question by new rumours regarding Joshua’s ongoing ailments.

According to Warren, talks are already well underway for Dubois’ upcoming bout.

We are speaking with a couple additional folks, and we need to be in a position to close on something sometime in the coming week. The promoter went on, “I want him out on February 22nd, and he wants to be out on that date.”

Fabio Wardley, another British heavyweight who recently made headlines with a dramatic first-round knockout victory over Frazer Clarke, is one of the possible opponents linked to Dubois.

Warren, though, feels that this domestic confrontation is not at the proper moment.

“That (Fabio Wardley fight) is not something I can see occurring next. “There is no question in my mind that that fight could be developed into something epic,” Warren said, implying that with further buildup, the all-British matchup might be larger.

Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang have surfaced as possible opponents for Dubois’ second championship defence after Joshua and Wardley were ruled out. As he considers a potential rematch with Oleksandr Usyk for the undisputed heavyweight championship, the champion is apparently eager to keep up his momentum.

In the upcoming weeks, Warren is anticipated to reveal Dubois’ next opponent. The IBF champion hopes to capitalise on his historic victory against Joshua and solidify his place at the top of the heavyweight division.