Insights

Anthony Joshua faced Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium on Saturday night, where he suffered a knockout in the fifth round while competing for the IBF heavyweight title. The match took place in front of a crowd of 96,000 fans, marking a significant event in British boxing. Following the defeat, Joshua expressed his determination not to retire, indicating his desire to continue his boxing career despite the setback. Eddie Hearn, Joshua's promoter, has begun to outline potential opponents for Joshua's next fight. He mentioned a shortlist that includes Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilder, and a rematch with Dubois. Initially, Hearn suggested that Joshua had a rematch clause, but later clarified that there is no such clause in place. Instead, Joshua has one fight remaining on his contract related to 'Riyadh Season', which could potentially be against Dubois. The landscape of heavyweight boxing is shifting, with Fury set to face Oleksandr Usyk in December. Depending on the outcome of that fight, a bout between Fury and Joshua could be on the horizon, especially if both fighters find themselves outside the title picture. Meanwhile, Wilder, who has been linked to a fight with Joshua for years, is also considering a return to the ring, making the prospect of a match between the two intriguing. The implications of Joshua's loss are significant, as it raises questions about his future in the sport. While he aims to bounce back, the nature of his defeat may influence his choice of opponents and the direction of his career moving forward. The heavyweight division remains competitive, and Joshua's next steps will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.