Former two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has been handed a 28-day boxing suspension following his knockout defeat to Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in London last Saturday night. The British Boxing Board of Control issued this suspension, a standard procedure in the sport for fighters who suffer technical knockouts (TKO) or knockouts (KO), as outlined by the Association of Boxing Commissions and Combative Sports. This protocol aims to ensure the health and safety of boxers after they endure significant damage in the ring.
Joshua, 34, experienced a particularly challenging night, marked by three trips to the canvas. Dubois, known in the boxing world as ‘DDD’, ultimately sealed the match with a powerful right hand in the fifth round. This defeat represents a significant moment in Joshua’s career, marking his fourth professional loss. His previous defeats include a shocking loss to Andy Ruiz Jr. in 2019, followed by back-to-back losses to Oleksandr Usyk in 2021 and 2022, each of which raised questions about his technique and mindset.
The recent suspension, while not impacting his immediate fighting schedule—since no upcoming bouts have been officially announced—has reignited debate about Joshua’s future in the sport. Prominent former boxer Carl Froch did not hold back in expressing his concerns about Joshua’s recent performance. On his YouTube channel, Froch stated, “Anthony Joshua got absolutely battered from pillar to post. He lacked ambition, he lacked self-belief, and confidence. His powers of recovery are terrible; he looked exhausted.” These comments reflect a broader concern within the boxing community about Joshua’s current mental and physical state.
Froch went further, questioning whether Joshua still possesses the desire to compete at the highest level, saying, “I question Anthony Joshua’s desire to be in that boxing ring anymore. I don’t think AJ wants it anymore; he shouldn’t be boxing. That performance was weak.” Such remarks highlight the increasing scrutiny on Joshua, especially as fans and analysts wonder whether he can return to form or if his best days are behind him.
In contrast to the concerns raised by Froch, Joshua himself remains resolute about his boxing ambitions. Following the bout, he took to social media to express his gratitude to fans and reaffirm his determination to reclaim a world title. In a heartfelt video statement shared on his X page, Joshua said, “We came up short, but we have to focus on all the positives. That’s the mindset, and that’s the perspective we need to adopt — a positive one.” He reflected on his journey in boxing, stating, “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 who has been riding with me. What a rollercoaster journey, but you know what? The problem is that it’s far from over yet.”
Joshua’s optimistic outlook is indicative of his long-standing resilience, a quality that has served him well throughout his career. However, this latest defeat and subsequent suspension could serve as critical turning points. The boxing world is now keenly observing how Joshua will respond to these challenges, both physically and mentally. Many fans are hoping that he will return with renewed focus and determination, ready to reclaim his status as one of the sport’s elite fighters.
As discussions surrounding Joshua’s performance and future continue, the next steps in his career will be closely monitored. Will he seek immediate rematches to avenge this loss, or will he take time to regroup and reassess his strategy in the ring? One thing is certain: Anthony Joshua’s journey in boxing is far from over, and the next chapter is likely to be as intriguing as the last. The boxing community, filled with anticipation, awaits his next move, as Joshua aims to prove that he still has the heart and skill to compete at the highest level once again.
