Matchroom Boxing’s Eddie Hearn has recently provided insights into Anthony Joshua’s mental state following his shocking loss to Daniel Dubois, which took place last month at Wembley Stadium. Joshua, a two-time unified heavyweight champion, suffered a dramatic defeat when he was stopped in the fifth round; Dubois managed to knock him down four times before sealing his victory just 59 seconds into that round. This unexpected outcome has left Joshua, who had just come off a string of four straight wins, including a notable victory over former UFC champion Francis Ngannou, reflecting on his future in boxing. Entering the match as the favorite, the defeat has cast a cloud over his aspirations, forcing him to reevaluate his next steps.
Hearn described Joshua’s reaction to the loss as one of devastation, pointing out that the defeat is still quite recent. The impact of losing to Dubois, who proudly retained the IBF heavyweight title, weighs heavy on Joshua’s psyche. Hearn confirmed that while a decision regarding a possible rematch is still pending, Joshua is in a period of reflection where he is resting and considering what path to take. He emphasized the importance of the next move for Joshua, acknowledging that there are time constraints related to his contractual obligations. As Joshua processes this loss, it’s clear that his thoughts are centered on regaining his status in the heavyweight division.
The potential for a rematch against Dubois is under consideration, and Hearn hinted at Joshua leaning towards that option. He conveyed that there are no “bad decisions” when it comes to pursuing the heavyweight title. Joshua’s ambition to reclaim his status as champion could lead him back into the ring with the new champion Dubois rather than opting for high-profile fights against others like Deontay Wilder or Tyson Fury. Hearn indicated that ultimately, the decision lies with Joshua, and based on his competitive nature, it would be challenging to dissuade him from avenging his loss against Dubois.
Veteran heavyweight Derek Chisora shared his perspective on Joshua’s situation, advocating for a swift rematch. Chisora praised Dubois for securing the championship but firmly believes that Joshua should take immediate action to face him again. He suggested that postponing a rematch for a fight with Wilder would be unwise, as it could complicate Joshua’s ability to regain the title. His assertion highlights the urgency for Joshua to reclaim his momentum in the heavyweight ranks, emphasizing that a rematch with Dubois is the logical and immediate course of action.
Even though there is no explicit rematch clause in their agreement, the situation surrounding Joshua is complex. Reports indicate that Joshua has one remaining fight on his deal with Riyadh Season, and both Turki Alalshikh, chairman of the Saudi General Entertainment Authority, as well as Dubois himself, are keen on making the showdown a reality. This potential rematch could serve as a pivotal moment for Joshua, one that would not only allow him to erase the bitter taste of defeat but also potentially restore his reputation in the boxing world.
As Joshua grapples with the implications of his recent loss and considers his strategic options, the boxing community watches closely. The heavyweight division remains competitive, and Joshua’s next steps will significantly influence his career trajectory. Whether he chooses to pursue a rematch with Dubois or pursues other opportunities, the decision will shape his legacy in the sport. Anthony Joshua’s resilience and determination will ultimately be put to the test as he navigates this challenging juncture, with the hopes of reclaiming his championship status and silencing critics who doubt his future in boxing.
