Joshua Nears Retirement

Anthony Joshua’s boxing may be nearing its end following his devastating and humiliating loss to Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium last Saturday, according to Matchroom Sports CEO Eddie Hearn.

The former champion was floored four times before being knocked out in the fifth round by Dubois, who retained his IBF world heavyweight title in front of 98,000 fans.

Joshua disclosed that he may have only one to three fights in his career after the brutal defeat, according to his conversation with Hearn.

• Also read: Dubois KO: Joshua Gets Advise To Retire

Speaking to Charlie Parson of The Stomping Ground, Hearn said, “I said to AJ on the phone you’ve probably got between one and three fights left. Then it went a bit quiet. He kind of realised, blimey, we’re on the home straight. We really are.”

Despite the loss, Hearn confirmed that a rematch clause exists, and Joshua is likely to activate it soon.

The promoter is confident that Joshua, who is contracted to at least one more fight with the Saudis, will pursue the rematch with Dubois.

One possibility is a long-awaited clash with Tyson Fury, who is set to face Oleksandr Usyk in a rematch this December. Should Fury emerge victorious, a voluntary defence against Joshua could finally settle the score between the domestic rivals.

The outcome of Joshua’s next fight, whether it be a rematch with Dubois or a clash with another top heavyweight, could determine whether he makes one final push for championship glory or hangs his gloves.

Ejiofor Ezeifeoma/Lagos