Anthony Joshua advised to retire after Dubois KO
Former two-time heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua has been urged to retire from boxing following his knockout defeat to fellow Brit Daniel Dubois on Saturday.
The call came from former boxing champion Prince Naseem Hamed, who believes Anthony Joshua should bow out of the sport after suffering his fourth professional loss.
Speaking to iFL TV, Hamed said, “Whether he can or he can’t, I’d prefer him not to. He’s had his day in the sun like we all have. He’s done great; he won amazing world titles; he’s defended them; he’s earned his dough. Listen, he should bow out gracefully, and that’s it, done.”
The 34-year-old Joshua was dropped multiple times before a powerful right hand in the fifth round ended his bid to return to the pinnacle of the heavyweight division. The defeat has raised questions about his future in the sport, but Joshua has dismissed the idea of retirement.
Hamed, who retired at the age of 28 with a record of 36 wins and one loss, expressed concern for Joshua, highlighting the dangers of continuing in such a physically demanding sport, especially when taking heavy blows.
Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, has since confirmed that they plan to exercise the rematch clause included in the fight contract.
However, Hamed’s call for Joshua to step away from boxing has echoed concerns from some quarters, especially after a series of setbacks in recent years. Having previously lost his unified titles to Oleksandr Usyk in 2021 and now suffering another crushing defeat to Dubois, the task of returning to the top is increasingly herculean for the British-Nigerian boxer.
