Anthony Joshua Refusing To Retire: “It’s Not Over Yet”

Anthony Joshua posted a short video clip on social media today, saying he’s not retiring and has “a lot more to give” to boxing. However, Joshua (28-4, 23 KOs) did not mention whether he’ll take the rematch with IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois to avenge his fifth-round knockout loss from last Saturday night.

(Credit: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing)

Given that Joshua didn’t say anything about a rematch, it appears he will go in a different direction. When Joshua lost to Oleksandr Usyk and Andy Ruiz Jr. the first time, he immediately said he wanted to try and avenge the defeats. This time, nothing like that comes out of AJ’s mouth.

Joshua, 34, must know from how he was battered and beaten by the younger fighter, Dubois, in front of 98,000+ fans at Wembley Stadium that he’ll get demolished in a rematch.

The fight ended with Dubois knocking Joshua out with a counter right hand in the fifth, leaving him in a heap on the canvas. Moments before that, Joshua mugged to the crowd, sticking his tongue out as if to say, ‘This is easy work.’ Things turned sour quickly for AJ.

“It’s far from over yet. I know we’ve got a lot more to bring to the game,” said Joshua on social media in his short video clip. “Doing it a third time [winning heavyweight title] is something I believe I can achieve.”

Joshua can become a three-division world champion once the three titles are fragmented after unified champ Oleksandr Usyk retires, but that’s the only way. AJ already lost twice to Usyk, and it’s clear that he has his number.

With Eddie Hearn pulling the strings, Joshua may eventually capture a third heavyweight title, but only because of the maneuvering done by his slick promoter. Hearn assisted Joshua in winning his first world title, bringing IBF champion Charles Martin to London, England, in April 2016. Eventually, Usyk will free up one of the belts after he retires, and Joshua can go after it.

Ideally, Joshua should go for the money fight against Tyson Fury in early 2025 and forget about Dubois forever. He’s too young, powerful, and rugged for him ever to beat him. Dubois has too much for AJ to handle, and a rematch would be a disaster for the aging former two-time heavyweight champion.

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— Anthony Joshua (@anthonyjoshua) September 23, 2024