Promoter Eddie Hearn announced that Anthony Joshua is determined to keep fighting, despite his unexpected defeat to Daniel Dubois in London on Saturday. Dubois (22-2, 21 KOs) dropped Joshua (28-4, 25 KOs) multiple times at Wembley Stadium before delivering a decisive right hand in Round 5, marking Joshua’s fourth career loss and allowing Dubois to retain his IBF title.
In the post-fight news conference, Joshua expressed his resolve to continue his boxing career. “You’re probably asking: ‘Do I still want to keep fighting?’ Of course, I want to continue fighting,” he stated. “We took a shot at success and came up short. Does that mean we run away, or do we live to fight another day?”
Dubois came out aggressively, starting with a powerful left jab that knocked Joshua down for the first time at the end of Round 1, leaving both the Wembley crowd and Joshua stunned.
“We have to give credit to our opponent, Daniel. Well done to him and his team, and thank you to my team for their preparation. There were a few mistakes, but that’s part of the game,” Joshua reflected. “Fine margins can cost you at the top level.”
Hearn noted in the ring that a rematch clause would likely be activated, but clarified in the post-fight press conference that Joshua is scheduled for another fight during the Riyadh Season and would probably seek a rematch with Dubois.
Hearn emphasized that Joshua aims for significant fights as he nears the end of his career. “We have another fight lined up with the Riyadh Season and Turki Alalshikh, and Daniel Dubois is part of that plan, but so could Tyson Fury or another heavyweight,” he said. “I don’t see this fight ending his career, but it was a major setback because we expected to win and fight the winner of Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk.”
“I know he will want a big fight next; I don’t believe he’ll want to return in February or March for a tune-up against someone like Helenius or Franklin. The next decision will be crucial.
