- Anthony Joshua faced tough criticism after a "disappointing" loss to Daniel Dubois, sparking debates about his career.
- Experts say AJ's recent performances don't match his earlier glory days, raising questions about his future in the ring.
- A prominent combat sports analyst discusses public sentiment on whether Joshua should retire or fight on.
Let’s talk about Saturday night at Wembley Stadium. Anthony Joshua, the once-dominant heavyweight champion, found himself on the wrong end of a decisive knockout in the fifth round against Daniel Dubois. It wasn’t just any loss—it was a performance that left fans, analysts, and even Joshua himself scratching their heads. This fight wasn’t just about losing a title; it was about whether Joshua still belongs in the elite class of boxing.
Dubois was relentless, controlling every aspect of the fight from start to finish. Joshua, who once seemed untouchable, looked out of sorts, struggling to find his rhythm. By the time the fifth round came around, it was clear that Dubois wasn’t letting up, and Joshua paid the price. The IBF title now rests in Dubois’ hands, leaving many to wonder if Joshua’s best days are behind him.
Is It Time for AJ to Retire?
In an exclusive interview with Briefly News, renowned combat sports pundit Afolabi Ojabowale weighed in on Joshua’s future in boxing. He suggested that Joshua might want to consider stepping away from the ring to safeguard his legacy. Ojabowale emphasized that Joshua’s recent performances have been lackluster compared to his early career dominance.
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“To be honest, I think it’s time for AJ to think seriously about retirement,” Ojabowale stated bluntly. “His recent string of losses and poor performances indicate that he’s not the same fighter he once was. If he continues down this path, people might forget all the incredible things he accomplished earlier in his career.”
“Retirement doesn’t mean failure. It means knowing when to step back and let others take the stage. For someone like Joshua, protecting his legacy is crucial.”
Ojabowale went on to highlight the embarrassment of the loss to Dubois, noting that it wasn’t just about the result but also the manner in which Joshua was defeated. He pointed out that there have been warning signs leading up to this fight, suggesting that Joshua’s decline has been gradual rather than sudden.
“Some people speculate that the fight was fixed, but the truth is, AJ has been showing signs of struggle for a while now. If he truly wants to return to the top, he’ll need to undergo intense training and reinvent himself. Otherwise, his legacy could be overshadowed by these recent losses.”
Rebuilding or Moving On: What’s Next for Joshua?
For Joshua, the question isn’t just about whether he can win again—it’s about whether he should even try. Boxing is a brutal sport, and as fighters age, they inevitably face diminishing returns. Ojabowale believes that if Joshua chooses to continue, he’ll need more than just determination; he’ll need a complete overhaul of his approach.
“If AJ decides to keep fighting, he has to go back to the basics. He needs to work harder, smarter, and with a renewed focus. But let’s be real—boxing is a young man’s game. At some point, you have to accept that your time in the spotlight is over,” Ojabowale added.
How Joshua Still Made Bank Despite Losing to Dubois
Interestingly, despite the loss, Joshua walked away with a bigger paycheck than Dubois. According to reports from Briefly News, both fighters earned substantial sums from the bout, but Joshua’s purse was significantly larger. This discrepancy highlights the financial disparity that often exists in high-profile matchups, where established stars command higher earnings regardless of the outcome.
While money isn’t everything, it does underscore the fact that Joshua’s brand remains strong, even if his performance in the ring doesn’t always match his reputation. For now, the question remains: will Joshua use this setback as motivation to rebuild, or will he choose to step away and preserve the legacy he’s worked so hard to build?
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