Former world champion Carl Froch has expressed concern over Anthony Joshua’s potential rush into a rematch with Daniel Dubois following Joshua’s shocking knockout loss during their fight on September 21 at Wembley. Froch, a seasoned figure in the boxing community, suggests that Joshua needs to take time to regroup and assess his situation, as he was floored multiple times before succumbing in the fifth round. Froch believes that, had the fight gone differently, an immediate rematch might have been justified. However, given the nature of the defeat, Froch advocates for a more strategic approach, encouraging Joshua to spend some time training, engaging in light sparring, and waiting for the outcome of the Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk rematch. This would provide Joshua with a clearer perspective on his next steps and genuinely evaluate his desire for another shot at Dubois.
The significant loss has left Joshua at a pivotal point in his career, and his promoter, Eddie Hearn, has acknowledged the emotional toll the defeat has taken on the British-Nigerian fighter. Hearn highlighted that Joshua is still grappling with the implications of this loss, emphasizing that it happened only three weeks prior, and that Joshua is in a state of reflection regarding his future. He stated that there’s a time frame for Joshua’s decision-making due to his contractual obligations, which has added an additional layer of complexity to the situation. Hearn pointed out that Joshua is currently focusing on resting and contemplating the best path forward as he comes to terms with the setback.
In contrast to Froch’s caution, there are voices within the boxing community advocating for an immediate rematch. Veteran heavyweight Derek Chisora is one such proponent, recommending that Joshua seize the opportunity for redemption without delay. Chisora, in an interview, emphasized that Joshua should capitalize on the chance to rectify his defeat, framing the rematch as an essential part of Joshua’s career trajectory. He highlighted the urgency of Joshua’s situation, questioning what other viable options the fighter might have at this juncture. This perspective sheds light on the divided opinions surrounding Joshua’s next move, showing both support for a quick return to the ring and calls for careful deliberation.
Adding further complexity to the situation, heavyweight contender Zhilei Zhang has voiced skepticism about Joshua’s chances in a potential rematch with Dubois. Zhang speculated that the aftermath of Joshua’s defeat could leave him in a vulnerable mental state, potentially exacerbating his challenges in a rematch setting. He warned that if Joshua were to fight Dubois again, the outcome might not be favorable, suggesting that the rematch could be more damaging for Joshua than beneficial. This cautionary stance contrasts sharply with those who advocate for an immediate return to the ring, demonstrating the varied perspectives on how Joshua should navigate his future after such a significant loss.
Meanwhile, discussions about the rematch have heightened, particularly since there is no explicit rematch clause in place. Yet, sources have indicated that Joshua may have one additional bout left on his Riyadh Season contract, which could influence his decision-making. The Chairman of the Saudi General Entertainment Authority, Turki Alalshikh, along with Dubois, have both shown interest in facilitating a rematch, which adds intrigue to the potential confrontation. As the boxing world closely monitors these developments, the impending decisions about Joshua’s future will carry substantial implications not just for his career, but also for the heavyweight division’s landscape.
As Anthony Joshua reflects on his next steps, the International Boxing Federation (IBF) has imposed a deadline for Dubois to make a voluntary title defense, which further complicates Joshua’s decision-making process. The next few weeks will prove critical for Joshua as he weighs his options between seeking immediate redemption through a rematch or taking a more measured approach to prepare adequately for future challenges. The heavyweight division continues to be a landscape filled with unpredictability and excitement, and Joshua’s choices in the near future will significantly impact both his personal journey and the broader dynamics of the sport. The tension surrounding this situation underscores the high stakes involved, as Joshua navigates the aftermath of a defeat that has undeniably altered the course of his career.
