Promoter Eddie Hearn has announced that Anthony Joshua is eager for another "big fight" following his unexpected defeat to Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium on Saturday. Despite suffering multiple knockdowns, Joshua (28-4, 25 KOs) remains determined to continue his boxing career after Dubois (22-2, 21 KOs) scored a stunning fifth-round knockout, securing his IBF title.
In the post-fight press conference, Joshua expressed his commitment to the sport. "Of course I want to continue fighting," he stated. "We took a shot at success and came up short. What does that mean now? Are we going to run away, or are we going to live to fight another day?"
Dubois started strong, landing a solid left jab that knocked Joshua down for the first time at the end of Round 1, leaving both the crowd and Joshua shocked. "Credit to Daniel and his team," Joshua acknowledged. "There were mistakes made, but that’s the nature of the game. Fine margins can cost you at this level."
Hearn mentioned the possibility of activating a rematch clause and confirmed that Joshua has an agreement to participate in another event during the Riyadh Season, where Dubois may also feature. Hearn emphasized that Joshua is looking for significant fights to cap off his career rather than a lower-profile tune-up bout.
"We have a fight planned for Riyadh Season, and Daniel Dubois could be part of that, but so could Tyson Fury or another heavyweight," Hearn said. "I believe Joshua wants to aim for major fights; he won’t be looking for a simple comeback in February or March."
Joshua's loss marks a pivotal moment in his career, but his resolve to continue fighting remains strong.
Dubois upsets Joshua with stunning 5th-round KO 14hNick Parkinson Results and analysis: Daniel Dubois KOs Anthony Joshua 15hNick Parkinson and James Regan What now for Joshua after another loss? Can Dubois get Usyk, Fury? 13hNick Parkinson Joshua made an appearance at the postfight news conference and insisted he would continue.
"Probably you're asking: 'Do I still want to continue fighting?' Of course I want to continue fighting," Joshua said. "That's what I said is we took a shot at success, and we came up short. What does that mean now? We going to run away? [Or] we going to live to fight another day?" Dubois came out swinging and got the jump on his opponent, deploying a strong left jab and knocking Joshua down for the first time at the end of Round 1 to cap off a near-perfect opening that left the Wembley crowd -- and Joshua -- stunned.
"We have to give credit to our opponent as well, Daniel.
Well done to him and his team and also thank you to my team as well for the way they prepared for me. There were a few mistakes in there but that's the name of the game," Joshua said. "Fine margins can cost you at the top level,"
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