Malik Scott didn’t hesitate when asked about Anthony Joshua taking part in the rematch against Daniel Dubois

Anthony Joshua has a big decision to make about his next fight and a possible rematch with Daniel Dubois.

After losing their first meeting at Wembley Stadium in September by fifth-round knockout, many fear that “AJ” could suffer the same result again if he gets right back in the ring with the young champion.

Initially Joshua – who won a previous return match with Andy Ruiz Jr but lost one with Oleksandr Usyk – was keen on the idea, but now his team have said injuries could mean it cannot happen in February if IBF ruler Dubois will be there next time.

Deontay Wilder’s trainer Malik Scott knows a thing or two about rematches, having seen his man lose them to Tyson Fury twice.

Speaking to Seconds Out, former heavyweight contender Scott claimed that the rematch talks may have been more motivated by Joshua’s promoter.

“I firmly believe that Eddie Hearn has an emotional, compassionate bond with Anthony Joshua. I could be wrong, but if I had to bet, I’d bet he has a connection. And I think in the heat of the moment after Dubois knocked Joshua out, Eddie Hearn wanted the rematch more than Joshua.

He then suggested that “AJ” should win the rematch no matter what.

“You have to assess what part of your career you are in. If it was as early as Andy Ruiz Jr., I’d say you should get back in right away. This is the second part of his career, but I still say you should jump right back in.

Time is of the essence. He is now at the point in his career where his opponents need to be in the top 10, and in my opinion anyone in the top 10 currently has a good chance of beating Anthony Joshua.

We all suffer this wear and tear, so with that in mind, step in the mirror, face your demon and defeat it.”

Not everyone agrees, and many feel that it would be better for Joshua to retire than risk a second straight knockout loss.