Anthony Joshua’s miserable defeat: being punched by Dubois 4 times

The heavyweight boxing match between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois ended with a surprising result on September 21, when Joshua suffered a knockout defeat after just 5 rounds. This loss is memorable not only for Dubois’s dominance but also for the weaknesses in Joshua’s skills and strategy.

Why did Anthony Joshua lose?

According to analyses from heavyweight boxing legend Lennox Lewis, Joshua’s defeat can be attributed to shortcomings in his defensive skills. Lewis emphasized that Joshua entered the ring in the wrong stance, exposing his chin to his opponent’s attacks. Boxing journalist Steve Bunce also agreed that Joshua revealed his weaknesses from the start, making him vulnerable to Dubois’s powerful punches.

The match took place at Wembley Stadium in front of 90,000 spectators, but Joshua failed to perform as expected. Right in the first round, he was knocked down by Dubois with a powerful right hand and continued to suffer three more knockdowns in the following rounds. According to CompuBox statistics, in the 5 rounds, Joshua only had a landing percentage of 27%, while Dubois achieved 40%.

Developments in rounds 3 and 5

In Round 3, Joshua continued to struggle as Dubois dominated with precise punches. Before the end of the round, Joshua was knocked down once again, but fortunately, he managed to stay on his feet. However, it was clear that his performance was declining, causing concern among the audience.

By Round 5, Joshua made an effort to rally and had a notable moment when he pushed Dubois into the corner. However, in a moment of miscalculation, he made an error in his approach, allowing Dubois to counterattack. Dubois landed a beautiful overhand punch, causing Joshua to fall and fail to rise before the referee’s 10-count. This moment marked the end of the match and became one of the worst defeats of Joshua’s career.

Consequences of the defeat

This defeat was not only a shock for Joshua but also a significant turning point for Daniel Dubois. With this victory, Dubois not only defended his IBF title but also solidified his status in the heavyweight boxing scene. At 27 years old and with impressive achievements, Dubois demonstrated his capabilities, particularly in exploiting his opponent’s weaknesses.

Joshua has asserted that he will not retire after this defeat and is likely to activate a rematch clause. However, given his current performance, many fans are beginning to doubt his ability to make a comeback. Dubois has also expressed a desire to have a unified heavyweight title fight in 2025, while Joshua will need to work hard to reclaim his position.

Conclusion

The match between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois has left many thoughts for boxing fans. This is not just an ordinary defeat but a reminder of the importance of defensive skills in boxing. With this victory, Daniel Dubois has risen to prominence, while Anthony Joshua’s future remains uncertain. Can he come back stronger after this loss? Only time will tell.