Joshua’s Career in Jeopardy: Second KO Loss Raises Questions

Anthony Joshua’s quest to reclaim his position at the pinnacle of world heavyweight boxing came to a devastating halt last night as he suffered a brutal knockout defeat to Daniel Dubois at a packed Wembley Stadium.

Dubois, the reigning IBF heavyweight champion, took control of the fight from the opening bell, displaying superior speed and power. Joshua, a former two-time heavyweight champion, struggled to find his rhythm against the younger, more aggressive Dubois.

By the third round, Dubois had already sent Joshua to the canvas with a powerful left hook. Though Joshua managed to beat the count, it was clear that Dubois was in command. In the fifth round, Dubois delivered the decisive blow—a thunderous right hand that sent Joshua face down to the canvas, silencing the crowd. Despite his efforts to rise, the referee counted Joshua out, handing Dubois a statement victory.

This marks Joshua’s second career knockout defeat, with the first being at the hands of Andy Ruiz Jr. in 2019. The loss not only dims Joshua’s hopes of reclaiming a world title for the third time but also raises questions about his future in the sport. At 34, and after a string of setbacks, Joshua will now need to consider his next steps carefully, as his road back to the top becomes increasingly difficult.

Dubois, on the other hand, cemented his status as one of the heavyweight division’s rising stars with the dominant performance, and the victory further solidifies his position as a key figure in the future of heavyweight boxing.