THIS was the moment Anthony Joshua’s dreams of winning a world title fell apart.
The 34-year-old’s corner threw in the towel as AJ suffered a beating from Daniel Dubois.
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AJ was beaten to a pulp in a brutal bout for the IBF title at Wembley.
Joshua was unable to stop Dubois from raining punches and he hit the canvas Four Times.
He kept the game moving before facing a huge right counter hook from Dubois in the fifth round.
The two-time former world champion’s feet left the ground, forcing his cornermen to concede defeat.
Joshua didn’t realize the towel had fallen beside him as he tried to push himself back to his feet.
But his legs couldn’t support his weight, causing the Watford-born player to hit his head on the floor.
As ringside footage went viral, one fan said: “He threw in the towel? I didn’t even see that?”
Another said: “It’s good they gave up, at least it would have been a massacre.”
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While a third added: “I didn’t realise the towel was being thrown in when I saw it live. Wow.”
And a fourth commented: “Wow he gave up. What a fight, shame on AJ but DDD is a beast.”
Round by round: How Dubois demolished Joshua
ANTHONY JOSHUA bravely picked himself up off the floor against Daniel Dubois – until he couldn’t go on any more.
AJ was knocked down four times by Dubois in round five before a powerful counter right ended the show in dramatic fashion.
Here, SunSport’s Jack Figg gives you a round-by-round look at the Wembley battle.
round 1
Anthony Joshua’s face is contorted in incredible photo which shows the brutal power of Daniel Dubois’ punchDubois moved quickly with the jab and had Joshua bouncing around, struggling to deal with the piston-like left.
A massive right hand from Dubois sent AJ staggering backwards with his hands still down from the opening bell.
Joshua paid the price for his mistake, as he came out with his hands down and got felled by an overhand right.
Round 2
Joshua – who only survived the knockout at the bell after falling to the ground – struggles to move forward as he is hit with blows to the face.
AJ is stumbling around the ring and his guard is dangerously low again and the pressure is mounting.
Joshua is trying to get back in the fight, but his jab looks very sluggish – it looks like he can’t recover from the knockdown.
Round 3
AJ comes out with more intent, but swings wildly with a right hand and only connects with thin air.
Dubois increased the pressure and backed Joshua into the corner and scored another knockdown.
The bell sounds but then Dubois lands the ball a time or two – once again AJ is saved by the clock as the writing looks to be on the wall.
Round 4
Accident happens again, Joshua falls to the ground once again – he loses his balance the moment he touches the canvas.
The referee gave AJ another chance and Dubois landed a soft blow – which gave the challenger some relief.
Dubois slowed down as round four ended, while Joshua showed great resilience to stay in the match.
Round 5
Joshua lands a powerful right hand and Dubois’ legs buckle – a surprise turnaround looks likely.
AJ presses Dubois to the ropes and attempts one of his signature uppercuts, but the counter right hand gets there first.
Joshua is caught straight on the chin, knocked down once again and this time out for good. Dubois scores a stunning KO win.
Following this brutal defeat, Joshua is adamant he will keep fighting.
This was AJ’s first loss in the ring since he lost to Oleksandr Usyk in August 2022.
His pro record now stands at 28-4
“Before I came here, I always told myself, ‘I’m fighting for my life,’” Joshua said.
“We throw the dice to succeed and we fail and we throw the dice again. We keep throwing the dice.”
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AJ’s promoter Eddie Hearn said: “I’m sure he’ll exercise that rematch clause. I mean, I think it’s a given.
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“But he will need rest and it is a dangerous fight, the guy’s confidence is growing, but he believes he can hurt Dubois.
Anthony Joshua vs Daniel Dubois round-by-round: How AJ was stunned by four knockdowns before brutal KO“He’s confident he can beat him, but all credit to Daniel Dubois, he deserves all the credit, Daniel’s performance was fantastic.”
