IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois has urged former rival Anthony Joshua to consider retirement following their brutal encounter at Wembley Stadium last year.
Dubois successfully defended his IBF World Title by delivering a fifth-round knockout to Joshua in their London clash, marking the fourth defeat in the career of the two-time unified champion.
Months after the fight, Dubois spoke candidly to Seconds Out about Joshua’s prospects:
“Does he want more? Honestly, I think he should retire.”
The knockout has reignited discussions about whether the 35-year-old Joshua who turned professional in 2013 after winning Olympic gold in 2012 should call time on his boxing career.
Despite the retirement talk from fans, pundits, and now his conqueror, Joshua seems resolute in his desire to keep fighting. Reports suggest he is negotiating a two-fight deal, with a potential comeback slated for later this year in Saudi Arabia.
After undergoing elbow surgery in May and sitting out much of 2024, Joshua has been quietly preparing for a return.
In a recent interview with ESPN Mexico, he revealed a target date for his comeback around December, depending on how his recovery progresses.
Promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed ongoing discussions with Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Season for a two-fight agreement.
“We’re aiming for fights this year maybe October, November, or December.”
While a rematch with Dubois remains a possibility, the champion is currently focused on his July 19 bout against former undisputed heavyweight Oleksandr Usyk at Wembley. Should Dubois win, he’s likely to face mandatory challenger Joseph Parker, which could delay or derail a Joshua rematch.
Another highly anticipated matchup for Joshua would be against Tyson Fury. However, ‘The Gypsy King’ retired in January and remains firm on staying out of the ring.
“Why would I come back? I’m retired, and that’s final.”
Hearn noted Joshua’s camp is monitoring the Dubois-Usyk fight closely, as well as Fury’s future.
“If those fights don’t happen, we’ll explore other options and maybe face them next year.”
Despite the recent setback in the ring, Joshua’s financial standing remains robust. According to the Sunday Times Rich List, his net worth now exceeds €232 million, outstripping both England football captain Harry Kane and Tyson Fury.
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