Anthony Joshua suffered his fourth career defeat, the second by stoppage, this past weekend in front of around 98,000 fans at Wembley Stadium.
The former two-time heavyweight champion challenged Daniel Dubois, 27, for the IBF belt at the national stadium, stepping through the ropes a sizeable favourite but failing to make a dent in the younger, fresher, sharper man.
‘AJ’ was knocked down at the end of the first round and was largely on a survival mission thereafter. He touched the canvas twice more before the fifth round when he ‘rolled the dice’ and managed to catch Dubois. The champion was not to be deterred, answering back immediately with the short right hand that would be the knockout blow.
Post-fight, Joshua said in no uncertain terms that he would fight on, perhaps even activating a rematch clause. Whilst some in the sport are backing that decision, others believe it’s time for the 34-year-old heavyweight superstar to hang up the gloves, including three Hall of Fame fighters…
Prince Naseem Hamed
“Whether he can or he can’t [come back], I’d prefer him not to. He’s had his day in the sun, he’s done great, he won amazing world titles, defended them, earned his dough. Listen, he should bow out gracefully and that’s it, done. Because when he gets hit on the chin – we don’t want to talk about that right now.” via IFL TV
Barry McGuigan
“What a fabulous World Heavyweight Title Fight. Congratulations Daniel Dubois and Anthony Joshua. Heart, courage and commitment to produce a great spectacle. Big boost for boxing. Time to consider your health Anthony.”
“AJ should retire … his punch resistance has evaporated and he will destroy his previous achievements by carrying on … When your ability to hold a shot goes, it NEVER comes back. Time for AJ to exit.”
“When you can no longer hold a shot, it’s over. Nature provided AJ with an incredible physique and explosiveness. He had a long time at the top but his time is up physically, sure he can carry on and lose to the top guys but he doesn’t need to do that.” via Twitter
Carl Froch
“AJ didn’t have that desire. He’s made the money, I don’t think he wants it anymore. He shouldn’t be boxing, because that performance was weak, lacklustre, it lacked confidence, he didn’t have aggression, poise, confidence. It wasn’t there from the ringwalk right up until he got put face first on the canvas. What next for AJ? I don’t even know … I think his punch resistance has gone … This could be the last we see of Anthony Joshua. I’m not hoping it is, I just think what is there left for Anthony Joshua to do? The money he’s made, the desire, the way he’s talking on the build-up, his body language, his demeanour in the ring and the fact that he just got absolutely wiped out… I just can’t see a future now.” via Froch on Fighting
