Anthony Joshua, 34, has vowed to continue his boxing career despite suffering a crushing defeat to IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois at Wembley. In an all-British showdown, Joshua was floored four times before a fifth-round knockout delivered by the younger, relentless Dubois ended the fight. This marks the fourth defeat of Joshua’s career, raising serious questions about his future, but the former Olympic champion remains resolute in his determination to fight on.
Joshua had entered the ring with hopes of joining an elite group of boxers—including Muhammad Ali and Lennox Lewis—by becoming a three-time world heavyweight champion. However, the defeat dashed his aspirations for a shot at undisputed world champion status, leaving fans and analysts speculating on his next steps.
In front of a record-breaking crowd of over 98,000, Joshua’s resilience was evident. Despite the loss, he remains adamant that his career is far from over. “Of course I want to continue fighting,” Joshua said after the fight, although he declined to take questions at the post-fight press conference.
Joshua reflected on the defeat with the mindset of a warrior: “We took a shot at success and we came up short. What does that mean now? That we’re going to run away? We’re going to live to fight another day. And that’s what I am — I’m a warrior.”
He also acknowledged the high stakes of the sport: “There were a few mistakes in there but that’s the name of the game. Fine margins will cost you at the top level.” For Joshua, whose 13 world-title fights have been a mixture of triumph and disappointment, the latest defeat is simply another chapter in his storied career.
Promoter Eddie Hearn echoed Joshua’s determination, assuring fans that the former world champion will be back in the ring. “2025 is going to be an interesting year for Anthony Joshua, one way or the other, but he will definitely be back,” Hearn said. He also highlighted potential future matchups, including a rematch against Dubois and a possible clash with WBC champion Tyson Fury, who is set to face Oleksandr Usyk in December.
“Whether it’s against Daniel Dubois, Tyson Fury or whoever, you are going to be entertained,” Hearn added. “Our interests are to make sure he leaves this sport with a legacy and a huge amount of money, but also his health intact.”
As for Dubois, 27, the victory over Joshua marks a significant step in his journey toward becoming the undisputed king of the heavyweight division. Dubois, who lost to Ukraine’s Oleksandr Usyk last year, now looks to position himself for a rematch with the WBC, WBO, and WBA titleholder.
“They were all saying I was going to get knocked out but we all saw who got knocked out,” Dubois said confidently after the fight. “I did the business and I’m glad I proved everyone wrong. But this is just the start of my journey. I want to get my rematch (against Usyk) and put that wrong right.”
With the heavyweight division in a state of flux, Joshua’s determination to continue and Dubois’ ascent create intriguing possibilities for the future. Whether Joshua can bounce back from this latest setback or if Dubois will continue his rise to the top, the heavyweight landscape remains as exciting as ever.
