Anthony Joshua, once the face of heavyweight boxing and a British sporting icon, has reached a critical juncture in his career. After suffering a shocking fifth-round knockout defeat to Daniel Dubois, the whispers of retirement have grown louder. This loss has further highlighted the struggles that have plagued Joshua in recent years, casting a shadow over what was once a glittering career. Let’s revisit how Joshua rose to prominence, his gradual decline, and the implications of this latest setback.
From London 2012 to Professional Stardom
Anthony Joshua’s introduction to boxing wasn’t typical. Born in Watford in 1989, Joshua was a talented athlete with a troubled youth. His cousin introduced him to boxing at 18, and the sport transformed his life. Under the guidance of Finchley Amateur Boxing Club, Joshua developed quickly, winning the ABA Championships in 2010 and earning silver at the World Amateur Boxing Championships in 2011.
The defining moment of his amateur career came at the London 2012 Olympics. With the nation behind him, Joshua claimed gold in the super-heavyweight division, defeating Roberto Cammarelle in a dramatic final. That victory turned him into an overnight sensation, setting the stage for one of the most anticipated professional debuts in British boxing history.
A Meteoric Rise
Joshua turned professional in 2013, signing with Matchroom Boxing under Eddie Hearn. His power, charisma, and dedication made him an instant hit with fans. Joshua blitzed through his early opponents, showcasing devastating knockouts and collecting titles along the way.
In 2016, he claimed his first world title, knocking out Charles Martin in just two rounds to win the IBF heavyweight belt. This victory marked Joshua’s arrival on the world stage. Eddie Hearn famously described him as “the complete package” and the man who would dominate the division.
But it was his 2017 showdown with Wladimir Klitschko that truly cemented his status. In one of the most thrilling heavyweight fights of the modern era, Joshua survived being knocked down to stop Klitschko in the 11th round. It was a career-defining performance that drew 90,000 fans to Wembley Stadium and made Joshua a global star.
The Turning Point
Following his victory over Klitschko, Joshua defended his titles against Carlos Takam, Joseph Parker, and Alexander Povetkin. However, his performances began to raise concerns. Critics noted a more cautious, less explosive style. Some speculated that the pressure of carrying British boxing on his shoulders was beginning to take its toll.
In 2019, Joshua faced Andy Ruiz Jr. in his U.S. debut at Madison Square Garden. What was meant to be a routine title defence turned into a disaster. Ruiz shocked the world by stopping Joshua in the seventh round. The defeat exposed vulnerabilities and shook Joshua’s confidence.
Though he regained his titles in a rematch later that year, the cautious approach he adopted further fuelled doubts about his ability to dominate the division.
Struggles Against Elite Opponents
The defeats to Oleksandr Usyk in 2021 and 2022 deepened concerns about Joshua’s place at the top of the heavyweight division. Usyk’s technical mastery exposed Joshua’s limitations, and despite showing improvements in the rematch, he was still outclassed.
Joshua’s subsequent performances, including a laboured points victory over Jermaine Franklin in 2023, did little to silence his critics. While his physicality remained impressive, his confidence and killer instinct seemed to have waned.
The Dubois Defeat
On the night he faced Daniel Dubois, many believed this was a make-or-break fight for Joshua’s career. Dubois, a younger and hungry challenger, was seen as a solid test but not necessarily a favourite to win. Joshua entered the ring as the more experienced fighter, but from the opening bell, it was clear that something was off.
Joshua struggled to assert himself, appearing hesitant and unable to find his rhythm. Dubois, in contrast, fought with aggression and intent, landing powerful combinations that had Joshua on the back foot. By the fifth round, a thunderous right hand from Dubois sent Joshua crashing to the canvas. Despite trying to beat the count, Joshua was unable to continue, marking one of the most devastating defeats of his career.
In the post-fight interview, a dejected Joshua admitted:
“I wasn’t good enough tonight. I gave it my all, but it wasn’t enough. I need to take some time to think about what’s next.”
Eddie Hearn echoed those sentiments, saying:
“Anthony has been an incredible ambassador for the sport, but tonight wasn’t his night. We’ll sit down as a team and figure out what the future holds.”
What’s Next for Anthony Joshua?
The loss to Dubois has left Joshua at a crossroads. At 34 years old, with multiple gruelling fights behind him, questions about his future are inevitable. Can he rebuild once more, or is it time to walk away?
Eddie Hearn has hinted that retirement might be a possibility, stating:
“Anthony doesn’t need to prove anything to anyone. He’s achieved everything in this sport. If he decides to hang up his gloves, he’ll go out as one of the greats.”
Joshua’s Legacy
Regardless of how his career ends, Anthony Joshua’s impact on boxing is undeniable. From his Olympic gold medal to his unforgettable nights at Wembley, he brought a level of excitement and attention to the heavyweight division that had been missing for years.
However, his legacy is now a topic of debate. Will he be remembered as the dominant champion who revitalised British boxing, or as a fighter whose decline overshadowed his early successes? The Dubois loss has undoubtedly added to the complexity of his story.
As Joshua reflects on his future, one thing is certain: his name will forever be etched in boxing history. Whether this marks the end of his career or the start of a final chapter, Anthony Joshua’s journey has been one of the most compelling in modern boxing.