Eddie Hearn has revealed Anthony Joshua’s future is already decided.
AJ was knocked out by Daniel Dubois in the fifth round in front of a record-breaking crowd of at least 96,000 at Wembley on Saturday night.
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Joshua had earlier been knocked down three times in four rounds by his British opponent, and afterwards praised his “sharp opponent” and lamented his “mistakes” during the bout.
The 34-year-old also confirmed that he has no intention of retiring, despite some suggesting he might and could even make a U-turn on his decision.
But Matchroom promoter Hearn has now revealed what is most likely next For Joshua.
He said he had a rematch clause in his contract to face the 27-year-old Dubios that would likely be activated, setting up a potential second run for the IBF heavyweight title. Future,
Speaking to Dazn he said: “I’m sure he will use the rematch clause, I think that’s a certainty.”
“He’ll need rest and it’s a dangerous match. The boy’s confidence is growing all the time.
“He’s going to believe he can hurt Dubois. He’s going to believe he can beat him, but all credit to Daniel Dubois, he deserves all the credit for tonight.
“Daniel’s performance was great.”
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His KO defeat also scuppers the prospect of a £500million mega-fight deal with Tyson Fury next spring, as SunSport has exclusively revealed.
A fight between Joshua and Fury (who was in the crowd for the bout) is still possible, although the time when most people wanted to see them at their peak has long passed.
The great fighters of past eras – whom AJ studies and admires – faced their best opponents, some of whom – like George Foreman and Larry Holmes – were even generations apart.
When Joshua was asked what went wrong during the fight, he said: “The opponent.”
He added: “Credit to him and his team, we rolled the dice for success and we came up short. You know I’m very excited, you know I’m ready to get in the ring.”
“But I will keep my composure and be very professional and respect my opponent.”
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Joshua also held a brief press conference with reporters, against Hearn’s advice.
In it he said: “First of all, always walk with your head held high. We tried to succeed and unfortunately we failed. We threw the dice for the third time.
“These are 13 world title fights, not every single one of them has been successful, but every single one has been fun and entertaining.
“We’re trying to make history for British boxing and I think we’re doing that and I also appreciate the press and the media – the fans aren’t here but I thank them through you.”
‘Are you not entertained? I’m a gladiator’ – What Dubois and Joshua said after brutal fight
Daniel Dubois has shattered Anthony Joshua’s dreams of becoming a three-time world heavyweight champion, writes Wally Downes Jr.
Joshua was stunned Four Dubois retained his IBF belt by scoring a stunning fifth-round knockout in front of a record 96,000 Wembley crowd and millions of TV viewers.
AJ, 34, never recovered after falling in the first round of last night’s Battle of Britain after a huge right hand from Dubois struck him on the chin.
Here is what he said after the fight:
Daniel DuBois
“Are you not entertained? I am a gladiator, a warrior who fights to the end. This is the biggest win of my career. I couldn’t let this opportunity go and now I want to go to the top level of this sport.
“I’ve been on a roller-coaster ride and it’s my time. I’m not stopping until I reach my full potential.”
Anthony Joshua
“No matter how angry I get, it is the way it is.
Anthony Joshua vs Daniel Dubois punch statistics revealed, Dynamite dominance confirmed after stunning KO“I had a fast and quick opponent and I made a lot of mistakes. Credit goes to my opponent and his team.
“We rolled the dice and lost. You know I’m angry, but I’ll stay calm and respect my opponent.”
Frank Warren (DuBois’ promoter)
“It was a phenomenal fight, like Hagler vs. Hearns.
“It was a fantastic fight and everyone saw the performance of a champion tonight.
“Daniel has shown his courage, his skill.
“AJ caught him with a shot at the end and I was worried, but it was a great, amazing fight.”
Eddie Hearn (AJ’s promoter)
“AJ landed a big right hand in the first round and was fighting from the heart.
“He hurt Daniel at the end of the fourth and then again in the fifth but got greedy and went for the right hand and that was all he wrote.
“I’m sure Anthony will exercise the rematch clause.”
“Do I want to continue fighting? Of course I want to continue fighting,” he said.
“That’s why I said we tried to break through but we failed, and what does that mean now? We will run away and live to fight another day, I’m a warrior.
“And before I finish I would also like to give credit to our opponent, Daniel.
“Although it’s hard when I’m ready to fight an opponent I don’t like anymore, now that it’s done, I express my gratitude to him and congratulate him and his team.
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“And also thanks to my team for the way they prepared me.
“There were a few mistakes but that’s the name of the game, at the top level small margins can hurt you so thank you.”
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
Dubois 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.
Brave Anthony Joshua ignores Eddie Hearn’s desperate plea to send message after beating DuboisJoshua is caught straight on the chin, knocked down once again and this time out for good. Dubois scores a stunning KO win.
