After being dropped multiple times by Dubois at Wembley Stadium, Joshua’s attempt to become a three-time champion and make a comeback to the top table of the division came to an abrupt and dramatic end. In Round 5, Joshua delivered a crushing right hand that sent his English opponent to the canvas for a fourth career loss, but Dubois kept his IBF belt.
During the press conference held after the bout, Joshua stated he would stick with boxing and look forward to another fight.
“You’re probably wondering if you still want to fight. Naturally, I want to keep fighting,” Joshua stated, as reported by ESPN.
I said as much: we tried our best to succeed, but we failed. Now, what does that mean? Are we going to flee? Or are we going to survive to engage in combat once more?
After Dubois stunned the 34-year-old with a powerful left jab at the end of Round 1, the British-Nigerian boxer fell to the ground for the first time.
Joshua praised his opponent for a job well done.
“We also need to give our opponent, Daniel, credit. Bravo to him and his group, and special thanks to my group for their excellent preparation. A few errors occurred, but that’s part of the fun, according to Joshua.
“Small margins can be costly at the highest levels.”
Although Hearn stated in the ring that a rematch clause would most likely be exercised, he clarified in the news conference following the bout that Joshua had already agreed to fight on another Riyadh Season bill and would most likely desire a rematch.
According to Hearn, Joshua would prefer to end his career with big fights; a tune-up match would be unlikely to come up next.
Turki Alalshikh and Daniel Dubois are scheduled to fight in the upcoming Riyadh Season, but Tyson Fury or another heavyweight may also be involved, according to Hearn. “That was a major setback because we were hoping to win today and take on the winner of Fury and [Oleksandr] Usyk, but I don’t think it will be the fight that ends his career.
“I’m just certain he’s going to want a major fight; I don’t think he’ll want to return for a runout, a bout with Franklin or Helenius, or anything like that in February or March. We seem to have done that, and the next choice will be crucial.
