The boxing world was left stunned after Anthony Joshua’s crushing defeat at the hands of Daniel Dubois. In a fight that many believed would be a triumphant moment for Joshua, the British heavyweight was instead knocked out in the 5th round, shaking his career to the core. Dubois delivered a fierce punch that left Joshua sprawled on the canvas for more than a minute before security stepped in, marking one of the darkest moments in Joshua’s storied career.
Oleksandr Usyk, who previously defeated Joshua twice in 2021 and 2022, wasted no time sharing his blunt opinion on the aftermath of the fight. Usyk, who has never been shy about voicing his thoughts on Joshua’s performances, called for the former champion to retire. Speaking at a press conference, Usyk said, “It’s so shame. Anthony Joshua is a great fighter, but after a knockout like that, it’s time to think about his future. He needs to retire before it gets worse.”
Usyk’s comments reflect a growing sentiment within the boxing community. Joshua has had a string of difficult fights, and his inability to regain dominance has led to questions about whether his best days are behind him.
The fight against Dubois started with high hopes for Joshua, who was looking to bounce back from his losses to Usyk. However, as the rounds progressed, it became clear that Dubois was the stronger, more determined fighter. The knockout punch in the 5th round was the final blow to Joshua’s aspirations of reclaiming his title as a heavyweight champion.
Boxing experts believe that Joshua underestimated Dubois’ power and speed, which contributed to the unexpected outcome. The loss was a massive financial blow, as it proved that Joshua’s career struggles are not a matter of bad luck but a sign of deeper issues.
With Usyk publicly urging him to step away from the sport, the pressure on Joshua is immense. Fans and critics alike are wondering if he will heed the advice or continue to push for redemption. While some argue that Joshua still has what it takes to compete at the top level, others believe his latest defeat signifies the end of an era.
For now, all eyes are on Joshua’s next move. Will he retire and leave the ring with his legacy intact, or will he fight to reclaim his status as a heavyweight contender? Only time will tell.