LONDON — Anthony Joshua insisted that his career is “far from over” following his fifth-round knockout defeat by Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium.
Joshua was aiming to become a three-time world champion by claiming the IBF world heavyweight title but instead suffered a damaging setback – the fourth of his career – after he was knocked out in front of a record-breaking official attendance of 98,128.
The 34-year-old was floored four times by Dubois, including once in the first round, and many people called for Joshua to retire afterwards.
But Joshua released a video on X recently insisting his journey in boxing is not over yet, with a potential rematch with Dubois as well as another all-British clash with Tyson Fury options in the future.
He said: “We came up short but we have got to look at the positives and that’s the perspective we have to have: a positive one, always.
“Look at what we’ve achieved in the space of 11 years, it’s phenomenal and I want to thank every single one of you that’s been riding with me.
“What a rollercoaster journey, but do you know what the problem is? It is far from over yet. We’ve done it once, we’ve done it twice, doing it a third time hasn’t been easy but I believe it is something I can achieve.
“It’s about making the right steps forward, working hard, improving and it has to come from here [gestures to his heart] more than anything.
“It’s only been a day but I know when I sit back I know I’ve got a lot of this [heart]. Thanks for your support, thanks for being on this rollercoaster journey with me.
“Keep your seatbelts tight because deep down in here I know we have a lot more to bring to this game. British Boxing I appreciate you and let’s rise up together, let’s go.”
The vanquished but still admirable Joshua then walked in to see us. He had been advised by his promoter, Eddie Hearn, to avoid talking to the media but Joshua always shows up. He had lost to Andy Ruiz Jr and twice to Usyk – but those defeats were not as calamitous as the horrible beating he suffered against Dubois.
Hearn rightly decided that Joshua, who was surely concussed, should not answer any questions. But he spoke with grace and humility. “Always walk with your head high,” Joshua said.
“We took a shot at success and came up short unfortunately. We rolled the dice, man. That’s 13 world title fights. Not every one has been successful but they’ve all been fun and entertaining. You’re probably asking – do I still want to keep fighting?”
The 34-year-old smiled ruefully. “Of course I want to keep fighting. Are we going to run away or live to fight another day? That’s what I am – a warrior. And, before I finish, we have to give credit to our opponent as well, Daniel. I take my hat off and say well done to him and his team. We made a few mistakes but fine margins cost you at the top level.”
Usyk remains the rightful world champion, even if Dubois now owns the IBF title, and the Ukrainian’s simple reminder to Dubois resonated again.
This is the brutal business of boxing, rather than ballet, and Joshua should enjoy his wealth on the safe side of the ropes.
Dubois, in contrast, can savour his redemption and the fleeting euphoria that heavyweight boxing offers its younger champions. It won’t last long because, in the end, boxing gets everyone.
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