Joshua’s ex-trainer gives verdict on potential Dubois rematch

TONY SIMS believes a potential rematch between Daniel Dubois and Anthony Joshua would only go one way.

Sims, who trained Joshua for his first 17 fights, including his first world title win in 2016, would love to see his former pupil turn the tables on Dubois but knows father time waits for no one.

Asked by Boxing News if a rematch would end in a similar fashion to their encounter at Wembley eight days ago, Sims answered: “I would think so.”

“Dubois is a dangerous fighter. I’d like to see Joshua win, because Joshua is a good friend of mine and an old fighter I’ve trained. But history tells us differently.

“And I think it will be very tough to try and rematch that fight and come on top after what happened the other night. It’s a young man’s game and I think he’s got a massive future in front of him, Daniel Dubois.”

After surviving three knockdowns Joshua’s courage and lack of defence were put to the sword by Dubois in round five when a short counter-right hand knocked out the 34-year-old.

“That first knockdown, it was heavy,” Sims said. “It was a big overhand right and it was a big shot.

“Obviously, before the knockout, he caught Dubois with a good shot. But Dubois was shaking them shots off.

“And I thought, oh, is he hurt there? But he kind of just shook it off. He took another right hand and shook it off again and just blasted back with his own. And that’s what youth’s about, when you’re that young and the desire is so great, you can go walk through shots sometimes.

“I thought it was just a really great, inspiring performance by him. And through that, he’ll gain a lot of confidence. He’ll probably be a better fighter after that fight.”