In-form Daniel Dubois is the strong favourite to be AJ’s next challenger
‘Dynamite’ Dynamite Dubois 11/10 to be up next for Anthony Joshua
Daniel Dubois has fought his way into favouritism with William Hill to be Anthony Joshua’s next challenger, following his victory against Filip Hrgović on Saturday.
Still just 26, former WBA Regular champion Dubois’ odds of being the next to enter the ring with Anthony Joshua are as short as 11/10, making him the favourite ahead of Zhilei Zhang, who stands at 2/1 after also clinching a KO victory over Deontay Wilder in the Queensberry vs Matchroom event last weekend.
Croatian Filip Hrgović is next in the market, tied with AJ’s former conqueror Andy Ruiz Jr., who are both 5/1.
William Hill spokesperson, Lee Phelps, said: “Daniel Dubois has emerged as the new favourite at 11/10 to be Anthony Joshua’s next challenger, following his audacious victory over Filip Hrgović on Saturday.
“His win secured the south Londoner the interim IBF title and he wasted no time expressing his desire for a bout with AJ, so the short price is no surprise.
“Zhilei Zhang, comes next in the market at 2/1 after his triumph in the Queensberry vs Matchroom event on Saturday. Zhang’s victory over Deontay Wilder, who once seemed a likely contender for AJ, has caused Wilder’s odds to drift to 16/1.
“Despite his loss to Dubois, Filip Hrgović is next in the market at 5/1, tied with Andy Ruiz Jr., who is also 5/1 to potentially set up his third fight with Joshua.”
BBN Editor, Tim Rickson, added, “I believe that Daniel Dubois is the deserved frontrunner to face Anthony Joshua next, after his last performance and now being the holder of the IBF Interim belt.
“Hrgovic drops out of the runnings, for me. AJ and DDD were #3 and #4, respectively, but now Dubois becomes the Interim titleholder and AJ will likely get Hrgovic’s #1 position or the vacant #2; but even if he stays at #3, he will still be the highest placed challenger to Dubois’ new belt.
“Zhilei Zhang would also be an excellent opponent, but perhaps too strong, durable and risky for Joshua after building himself back into contention.
“Former foe Joseph Parker, who holds the WBO Interim title, would also make perfect sense. I personally believe he will be picking between Parker for the WBO Interim or Dubois for the IBF Interim. With the IBF allowing the undisputed rematch to take place, their world championship won’t be available until next year, so AJ’s best bet is to challenge for Dubois’ Interim title to then be first in line for the winner of Usyk-Fury 2.
“Lastly, I have always been interested in the Andy Ruiz Jr. trilogy, because it’s 1-1, so needs a decider, and a 50-50 fight.”
Anthony Joshua’s next fight odds:
Daniel Dubois 11/10
Zhilei Zhang 2/1
Filip Hrgović 5/1
Andy Ruiz Jr. 5/1
Joe Joyce 6/1
Jared Anderson 6/1
Dillian Whyte 8/1
Deontay Wilder 16/1
Tyson Fury 18/1
Oleksandr Usyk 20/1