Anthony Joshua must make "his decision" about his future in the sport after fifth-round knockout loss to Daniel Dubois at Wembley, says Sky Sports expert Johnny Nelson; promoter Eddie Hearn suggests that Joshua could take rematch against Dubois
Sunday 22 September 2024 17:50, UK
Anthony Joshua has "no excuses" after a devastating loss to Daniel Dubois and must make a decision about his future, says Sky Sports expert Johnny Nelson.
Joshua was floored on three occasions by a rampant Dubois before he was sent crashing to the canvas for a final time in the fifth round and counted out to seal a stunning loss at Wembley Stadium.
Sky Sports expert Nelson questioned the tactics of Joshua as he compared his performance to the former world champion's stoppage loss to Andy Ruiz Jr in New York in 2019.
"First of all, a massive, massive congratulations to Team Dubois and Don Charles, a trainer that well and truly deserves this kind of credit," Nelson told Sky Sports.
"To me, I just thought with AJ 'what are you waiting for?'
"There's no excuses for him.
"When Anthony Joshua walked into the ring, he threw a jab with his chin up in the air. He did it again and I thought 'what is he doing?'
"I feel bad for saying it, but that's exactly what it was [like his defeat to Andy Ruiz]. He just didn't start at the races.
"It's like me kicking him when he's down, but that's what he did."
Defeat for Joshua has ended any immediate talk of him targeting the winner of the Oleksandr Usyk vs Tyson Fury rematch in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on December 21.
At the age of 34, Nelson believes two-time world title holder Joshua must now weigh up what he still wants to achieve in the sport.
"It's probably a question a lot of people have got in their heads but are not going to say out loud," said Nelson.
"I'm quite sure Anthony Joshua will think the same and I'm quite sure Eddie Hearn will think the same.
"It's his decision for him to do. Does he think he can rectify what happened? I don't know.
"There are no excuses for Anthony Joshua because he's had every experience good and bad through this game, so for that to happen there is no excuse, point blank.
"This is for him to decide what he's going to do.
"For Daniel Dubois, the world is his oyster. The boy has turned into a man, he's taken his licks, he's come through and now he feels like a world champion.
"'Usyk, let's have it again' - that's what he'll be thinking."
Promoter Eddie Hearn revealed afterwards that Joshua could pursue an immediate rematch against Dubois.
"I'm sure he'll exercise that rematch clause, it's a given, it's a dangerous fight because he's [Dubois] growing in confidence all the time but he'll believe he can beat him," said Hearn.
Speaking in the post-fight press conference, Hearn clarified his fighter's position regarding a rematch.
"We have another fight with Riyadh Season and Turki Al-Sheikh and Daniel Dubois is part of that plan, but so too could be Tyson Fury or another heavyweight," he said.
"I think that 2025 is going to be an interesting year for Anthony Joshua, one way or another, but he will definitely be back and whether it's against Daniel Dubois, Tyson Fury, whoever, you're going to be entertained."
Joshua also suggested he will fight on after enduring his fourth defeat in 32 bouts.
"I'm always saying to myself I'm a fighter for life... We keep rolling the dice," said Joshua.
"I had a sharp opponent, a fast opponent and a lot of mistakes from my end, but that's the game."
