Anthony Joshua, once a symbol of boxing excellence, has just faced an unimaginable shock after being knocked out by Daniel Dubois in a memorable fight. Now, the “boxing king” is dealing with harsh criticism from Bob Arum, one of the legends of the boxing world. Could this be the end of his illustrious career?
Painful Knock-Out and Bob Arum’s Harsh Criticism
Joshua was knocked down four times in five rounds during the match. As a result, veteran promoter Bob Arum did not hesitate to declare that “Joshua’s career is essentially over.” In a candid interview with FightHub, Arum bluntly criticized: “You can’t view this as just a bad day at the office. Joshua has faced too many brutal battles, and I believe his time is up.”
These statements not only shocked fans but also raised concerns about Joshua’s future in this brutal sport.
Rematch With Deontay Wilder: The Last Hope?
Despite the pressure from public opinion and severe criticism, Joshua remains determined not to retire. If he wishes to continue fighting, Arum believes there is only one meaningful bout left for Joshua: a clash with Deontay Wilder. Wilder, at 38 years old, has also faced two recent defeats against Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang but has yet to officially announce his retirement.
Plans for a Rematch With Dubois in February
According to Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s manager, both parties have agreed to hold a rematch with Dubois, expected to take place in February of next year. Hearn stated: “We have a fight scheduled in Riyadh. One of our options is to rematch Dubois. The terms for the rematch have been agreed upon by us and Dubois. AJ has always wanted a rematch, and Dubois feels the same since this is his biggest fight.”
28-Day Ban: Pressure Intensifies
After his defeat to Dubois, Joshua received a 28-day ban from the British Boxing Board of Control. This is a standard procedure for British fighters who lose by knock-out. However, this ban is largely procedural, as few fighters return to the ring immediately after a month. Joshua will need at least 10-12 weeks to recover from the previous fight.
Doubts and Uncertain Future
While Joshua continues to show determination, his career stands at a crossroads. The unexpected knock-out and harsh criticism from Arum have left many doubting whether Joshua can return to the pinnacle of the sport. Although the road ahead seems challenging, fans are eagerly waiting to see if Anthony Joshua can turn the tide in his career.
From a shocking knock-out to criticism from a boxing legend, Anthony Joshua faces numerous challenges. February’s upcoming fight will be crucial not just for his career but also for his legacy. Let’s wait and see if the “boxing king” can rewrite the next chapter in his storied career!
