Anthony Joshua’s career is once again at a crossroads following his underwhelming performance against Daniel Dubois, and former boxer Paul Smith has not held back in his criticism. Smith has openly questioned Joshua’s training setup, calling his “roll the dice” strategy a reckless gamble that could end his championship aspirations. At the heart of the controversy? Ben Davison, the coach Smith believes is steering Joshua in the wrong direction.
Paul Smith Sounds the Alarm: “Joshua Is Losing His Edge!”
Once regarded as the most dangerous heavyweight in the world, Anthony Joshua has seen his dominance gradually fade in recent years. His loss to Oleksandr Usyk in 2021, followed by an uninspiring performance against Jermaine Franklin, raised concerns about his approach to fights. Now, after struggling against Dubois, critics believe Joshua is playing it too safe, lacking the aggression and knockout power that once defined him.
Paul Smith has been one of the most vocal critics of Joshua’s new fighting style, arguing that his coaching team is failing him.
“AJ isn’t fighting like a champion anymore. This ‘roll the dice’ approach is just another way of saying he’s second-guessing himself in the ring. That’s not how you win in the heavyweight division!” – Smith stated.
He believes that Joshua is no longer fighting with confidence, and instead, he appears too cautious—more focused on avoiding damage than imposing his will on opponents.
“The Joshua that fought Klitschko in 2017 would never have fought like this. He needs to wake up before it’s too late.”
Ben Davison Under Fire – The Wrong Coach for Joshua?
Smith’s biggest concern, however, is Joshua’s current coaching setup, specifically the role of Ben Davison.
Ben Davison made a name for himself as the coach who helped Tyson Fury return to boxing after his long hiatus. However, many believe his defensive and tactical approach doesn’t suit Joshua’s natural fighting style. Under Davison, Joshua has looked more hesitant, defensive, and reluctant to take risks—a stark contrast to the explosive knockout artist he once was.
Paul Smith didn’t mince words when discussing the issue:
“Ben Davison is not the right coach for Joshua. Look at how AJ fights now—he’s hesitant, he’s overthinking, and he’s not taking the risks he used to. That’s not the Joshua we know!”
Joshua has worked with multiple trainers in recent years, including Rob McCracken, Angel Fernandez, and Derrick James, but none have been able to fully restore the dominant version of AJ. With Davison now in the mix, some argue that Joshua is becoming even more passive, and Smith believes it’s time for a complete overhaul.
“If Joshua really wants to be champion again, he needs a coach who will bring back his killer instinct. Right now, he’s being taught to fight safe, and that won’t cut it in today’s heavyweight division.”
Is Joshua’s Career at Risk?
At 34 years old, Joshua still has time to rebuild, but the heavyweight division isn’t getting any easier. With Tyson Fury, Oleksandr Usyk, and Deontay Wilder still at the top, Joshua can’t afford to keep playing it safe.
His last knockout win came against Robert Helenius, but many felt it was an easy, predictable victory. Against elite competition, Joshua has looked more tentative, and unless he makes major changes, his path back to a world title will only get tougher.
Paul Smith isn’t the only one calling for change. Fans, analysts, and even former fighters believe that Joshua’s best chance at redemption lies in finding a new team—one that will push him back to his aggressive, powerhouse style.
The Clock Is Ticking
So, what’s next for Joshua? Will he stick with Ben Davison and continue playing it safe, or will he shake up his coaching team and return to his destructive best?
With the heavyweight division evolving rapidly, Joshua can’t afford to waste any more time. If he doesn’t make the right moves soon, his shot at reclaiming the heavyweight throne could slip away forever.
Do you think AJ should fire Ben Davison? Or is he just playing the long game? Drop your thoughts below!
