Former two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua suffered a devastating knockout loss to Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium on Saturday night. Despite the setback, Joshua has defiantly declared his intention to continue his boxing career, setting the stage for what promises to be an intriguing next chapter in the British-Nigerian fighter’s journey.
As the sun set over London on September 21, 2024, the air was thick with anticipation. Over 90,000 fans packed into Wembley Stadium, eager to witness what many believed would be Anthony Joshua’s triumphant return to the top of the heavyweight division. Instead, they were treated to one of the biggest upsets in recent boxing history.
From the opening bell, it was clear that this was not going to be Joshua’s night. The 34-year-old former champion, who entered the ring as the favorite, found himself on the canvas at the end of the first round, courtesy of a thunderous left jab from Dubois. This early knockdown set the tone for what would be a grueling and ultimately heartbreaking night for Joshua and his supporters.
As the fight progressed, Dubois continued to assert his dominance, dropping Joshua multiple times. The end came in the fifth round when a crunching right hand from Dubois sent Joshua crashing to the canvas for the final time. The referee’s count reached ten, and just like that, Joshua’s dreams of becoming a three-time heavyweight champion were shattered.
It was like watching a car crash in slow motion,” said ringside commentator Steve Bunce. “You could see Joshua trying to rally, but Dubois was relentless. That final right hand was a thing of brutal beauty – devastating for Joshua, but a career-defining moment for Dubois.”
In the aftermath of the fight, as the boxing world tried to make sense of what they had just witnessed, all eyes were on Anthony Joshua. Would this be the end of the road for the once-dominant heavyweight? Joshua’s appearance at the post-fight press conference provided the answer.
Probably you’re asking, ‘Do I still want to continue fighting?’ Of course, I want to continue fighting,” Joshua declared, his voice steady despite the visible bruising on his face. “That’s what I said: we took a shot at success, and we came up short. What does that mean now? We going to run away? Or are we going to live to fight another day?”
This defiant statement drew applause from the assembled media and sent a clear message to the boxing world: Anthony Joshua is not done yet.
Gespite the crushing nature of his defeat, Joshua showed remarkable sportsmanship in praising his opponent. “We have to give credit to our opponent as well, Daniel. Well done to him and his team, and also thank you to my team for the way they prepared for me,” Joshua said. There were a few mistakes in there, but that’s the name of the game. Fine margins can cost you at the top level.”
This gracious acknowledgment of Dubois’ performance underscored Joshua’s reputation as a class act both inside and outside the ring.
What’s Next for Anthony Joshua?
As the dust settles on this shocking upset, the question on everyone’s lips is: what’s next for Anthony Joshua? Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s long-time promoter, shed some light on the potential future plans.
We have another fight with Riyadh Season, and Turki Alalshikh and Daniel Dubois are part of that plan, but so too could be Tyson Fury or another heavyweight,” Hearn explained. I don’t see it being a fight that ends his career, but he’s in the final chapters of the career, and that was a big blow because we fancied winning tonight and fighting the winner of Fury and [Oleksandr] Usyk.”
Hearn’s comments suggest that despite the loss, Joshua remains a major player in the heavyweight division, with big fights still on the horizon.
One of the most intriguing subplots to emerge from the post-fight discussions is the existence of a rematch clause. Hearn initially declared in the ring that this clause would likely be activated, but later clarified that the situation was more complex.
I just know he’s going to want a big fight; I don’t believe he’ll want to come back in February or March for a runout, Helenius or Franklin, or these kinds of fights,” Hearn stated. “I feel like we’ve done that, and the next decision will be very important.”
This suggests that while a rematch with Dubois is possible, it’s not the only option on the table for Joshua’s next fight.
Joshua’s defeat has sent ripples through the heavyweight division. With Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk set to face off in a unification bout later this year, the landscape at the top of the division is in flux. Joshua’s next move will be crucial in determining where he fits into this evolving picture.
Boxing analyst Mike Costello offered his perspective: “This loss is a significant setback for Joshua, no doubt. But let’s not forget – he’s come back from defeat before. The heavyweight division is unpredictable, and Joshua still has the name recognition and skill set to be a major player. His next fight selection will be crucial.”
Perhaps the most compelling aspect of this story is the human element. At 34, having suffered his second knockout loss, Joshua finds himself at a crossroads. His determination to continue in the face of such a devastating defeat speaks volumes about his mental fortitude.
Sports psychologist Dr. Amanda Johnson commented on Joshua’s mindset: “What we’re seeing here is the mark of a true champion. It’s easy to be confident when you’re winning. The real test of character comes in how you respond to setbacks. Joshua’s willingness to face the media and declare his intention to continue shows remarkable resilience.”
As the boxing world continues to digest the events of that dramatic night at Wembley, one thing is clear: Anthony Joshua’s story is far from over. While the path to reclaiming heavyweight glory now seems steeper than ever, Joshua’s unwavering determination suggests that we haven’t seen the last of him in the ring.
The coming months will be crucial as Joshua and his team plot their next move. Will it be an immediate rematch with Dubois? A clash with another top contender? Or perhaps even a long-awaited showdown with Tyson Fury? Whatever path he chooses, the boxing world will be watching with bated breath, eager to see if Anthony Joshua can once again climb to the top of the heavyweight mountain.
