Anthony Joshua’s world was rocked by Daniel Dubois along with his newest setback leaving us to surprise what’s subsequent for the two-time heavyweight champion.
In entrance of a crowd of over 96,000 at Wembley Stadium, Joshua was left in a daze as Dubois despatched him crashing to the canvas 4 occasions earlier than ending the job in gorgeous trend within the fifth spherical.
It was the fourth defeat of his profession and positively essentially the most damaging.
Within the hours after Saturday’s defeat, the dialog inevitably turned to the potential of retirement. However whereas he nonetheless has the will to combat on, huge provides will proceed to come back Joshua’s means. A defeat as devastating because the one suffered on Saturday evening might be thought of career-ending for different fighters, however the former Olympian stays a field workplace title and has proven prior to now he has the resolve to claw his means again.
‘You’re most likely asking if I nonetheless wish to contemplate combating? In fact I wish to proceed combating,’ Joshua mentioned post-fight. ‘We took a shot at success and we got here up quick. What does that imply now? That we’re going to run away? We’re going to stay to combat one other day. And that’s what I’m – I’m a warrior.’
Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn has confirmed there’s a rematch clause, one he expects Joshua to activate. Given how damaging final evening’s defeat was, it might be his solely actual possibility.
‘I believe he [Joshua] will train that rematch clause, I believe that’s a given,’ Hearn mentioned. ‘He’ll want a relaxation and it’s a harmful combat, this man is rising in confidence on a regular basis.’
Defeat this weekend will dampen hopes of the long-awaited showdown between Joshua or Tyson Fury – however not extinguish them utterly. Matchroom CEO Frank Smith confirmed to Metro.co.uk this week the combat was nearer than its ever been, doubtless for 2025 even within the occasion of Fury dropping to Oleksandr Usyk for a second time in December.
A second defeat to the Ukrainian for Fury would go away the 2 Britons on collision course. The combat, even with out world titles at stake, stays the most important combat within the division and a dream ticket for Saudi Arabia and Turki Alalshikh.
However as was the case with Floyd Mayweather vs Manny Pacquaio and Amir Khan vs Kell Brook, it could come far too late with each males previous their greatest. Time is ticking on that combat with each Hearn and Smith explaining this week it should occur in 2025 or disappear endlessly.
“We’ve got one other combat with Riyadh Season and Turki Al-Sheikh and Daniel Dubois is a part of that plan, however so too might be Tyson Fury or one other heavyweight,’ mentioned Hearn final evening.
Extra Trending
Learn Extra Tales
‘I believe that 2025 goes to be an fascinating 12 months for Anthony Joshua, a method or one other, however he will certainly be again and whether or not it’s in opposition to Daniel Dubois, Tyson Fury, whoever, you’re going to be entertained.’
Joshua has confirmed prior to now he can bounce again. He avenged his 2019 defeat to Ruiz Jr on the first time of asking. Whereas outclassed on each events in opposition to Usyk, a run of 4 wins in opposition to Jermaine Franklin, Robert Helenius, Otto Wallin and Francis Ngannou restored his confidence along with his new partnership with Ben Davison wanting an astute one. The efficiency in opposition to Dubois was a tactical catastrophe however the duo will really feel the appropriate changes can rectify issues ought to the rematch go forward.
The larger query will likely be, will Joshua be the identical? For any fighter, their punch resistance will start to go the longer their careers go. Joshua was a simple goal for Dubois and by no means actually recovered after being knocked down within the first spherical. Final evening was clear proof his greatest days could also be behind him.
Victory for Dubois in the meantime provides him appreciable world title legitimacy, having inherited the IBF title after it was vacated by Usyk. The Londoner is now completely positioned to combat the winner of Usyk vs Fury II in December along with his prospects brighter than ever.
MORE : Eddie Hearn reveals probabilities of Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury combat after Daniel Dubois loss
MORE : Eddie Hearn criticises Anthony Joshua for response to Daniel Dubois’ unlawful punch
MORE : Tyson Fury sends message to Anthony Joshua after Daniel Dubois loss
