Former two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is facing calls to retire after suffering a knockout defeat to fellow Brit Daniel Dubois on Saturday. Prince Naseem Hamed, a former boxing champion, led the call for Joshua to hang up his gloves, stating that the 34-year-old has had his moment in the spotlight.
Speaking to iFL TV, Hamed said, “He’s had his day in the sun. He’s done great, won amazing world titles, defended them, and earned his money. It’s time for him to bow out gracefully.”
Joshua, who was knocked down several times before a fifth-round right hand ended the fight, has dismissed retirement talk, saying, “I want to continue fighting. We took a shot and came up short. What are we going to do—walk away? We’re going to live another day.”
Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, confirmed that they plan to activate the rematch clause in the contract, suggesting that Joshua’s fighting days are far from over. Despite setbacks, including losing his unified titles to Oleksandr Usyk in 2021, Joshua remains determined to climb back to the top.
Daniel Dubois, who delivered a career-defining performance, has now solidified his place among the heavyweight elite, with his victory raising his profile in the division. The win has positioned Dubois for even bigger fights in the future.
