Top Rank promoter Bob Arum has voiced his criticism of British boxer Anthony Joshua following a shocking fifth-round knockout defeat to Daniel Dubois at Wembley. This loss was particularly notable, as Joshua was dropped four times during the fight, causing him to miss out on the IBF title and severely diminishing his hopes for an undisputed heavyweight championship bout. In light of this defeat, questions arise regarding Joshua’s future in boxing. Despite the outcome, the former two-time unified heavyweight champion has made it clear that he does not intend to retire immediately.
Arum’s assessment of Joshua stems from a long-standing skepticism regarding his abilities as a fighter. The promoter remarked that he has never regarded Joshua as a great fighter, citing Joshua’s vulnerability and his 2019 loss to Andy Ruiz Jr. at Madison Square Garden as significant indicators of his limitations. Arum believes that this defeat exposed critical weaknesses in Joshua’s skillset that have persisted throughout his career. While Joshua managed to regain his titles in a subsequent rematch with Ruiz, Arum remains unconvinced about his status as a top-tier heavyweight.
The analysis of Joshua’s performance is not limited to Arum alone. Trainer Ben Davidson has faced scrutiny, with former world champion Roy Jones Jr. suggesting that a change in coaching might benefit Joshua moving forward. This commentary reflects a broader sentiment in the boxing community, where a poor performance raises doubts about a fighter’s preparation and strategy. Although a rematch with Dubois has been floated as a potential next step for Joshua, Arum has cautioned against this, arguing that it would be unwise for Joshua to pursue that path again.
Despite the recent setback, Joshua’s viability as a fighter is not entirely diminished. Promoters have suggested that Saudi Arabian officials are keen on organizing a high-profile match between Joshua and fellow heavyweight Tyson Fury, suggesting significant interest in maintaining Joshua’s viability in elite boxing. Additionally, a matchup with Deontay Wilder remains a potential opportunity; Wilder’s trainer Malik Scott has expressed interest in making this fight happen, even in light of Wilder’s recent losses to other contenders.
As Joshua considers his next steps in the wake of his defeat, there is a considerable amount of speculation regarding his long-term future in the sport. With career earnings reportedly reaching $400 million, questions arise about the necessity of further risking his health and legacy in the boxing ring. The financial security he has achieved allows him to assess his career choices with less urgency than lesser-known fighters. Nonetheless, his desire to reclaim championship status and his competitive nature will likely drive his decisions moving forward.
In conclusion, Anthony Joshua stands at a crossroads in his boxing career following a damaging loss to Daniel Dubois. With ongoing critiques from notable figures like Bob Arum and Roy Jones Jr., as well as potential opportunities for major fights against Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder, Joshua’s future in the sport seems a complex interplay of personal ambition and professional viability. His upcoming decisions will not only define his career trajectory but will also influence perceptions about his legacy in the heavyweight division. Thus, Joshua’s future remains a topic of keen interest, as fans and analysts alike reflect on what this latest defeat signifies for a fighter once considered among the elite.
