“Anthony Joshua’s Shocking Downfall vs Daniel Dubois: What Went Wrong, What’s Next, and Will Tyson Fury Still Be His Last Chance?”

Anthony Joshua’s Shocking Downfall vs Daniel Dubois: What Went Wrong, What’s Next, and Will Tyson Fury Still Be His Last Chance?

The world of boxing is no stranger to surprising outcomes, but few predicted Anthony Joshua’s defeat to the up-and-coming Daniel Dubois. Once seen as the pride of British heavyweight boxing, Joshua’s stunning downfall has left fans and pundits questioning his future. This defeat, possibly the most damaging in his career, raises the question: what went wrong for the former unified heavyweight champion, and what’s next for him in the sport? More importantly, does this loss spell the end of his long-desired super-fight with Tyson Fury?

What Went Wrong?

Declining Confidence and a Weak Mental State

Anthony Joshua’s struggles seem to extend beyond just physical performance; they appear deeply rooted in his mental state. Since his shocking loss to Andy Ruiz Jr. in 2019, Joshua has appeared tentative in the ring. While he regained the titles in the rematch, his once-dominant confidence has not returned. Against Dubois, this was painfully evident. He looked unsure, often hesitant to pull the trigger, as if haunted by the fear of making a mistake.

Tactical Misjudgment

Another glaring issue was Joshua’s game plan. Daniel Dubois, a rising star with tremendous knockout power, was always going to be a dangerous opponent. Dubois came into the fight with nothing to lose, full of hunger and aggression, while Joshua seemed content to fight cautiously, waiting for openings that never materialized. His jab lacked its usual authority, and his movement appeared sluggish. This allowed Dubois to dictate the pace and rhythm of the fight, landing key power shots that ultimately led to Joshua’s downfall.

Age and Wear and Tear

At 34 years old, Joshua is no longer in his physical prime. The years of intense training camps, combined with wars in the ring, may have taken their toll. In contrast, Dubois, at 26, is younger, fresher, and hungry to prove himself. The eight-year age gap was noticeable in the ring, as Dubois appeared quicker, more agile, and more explosive, especially as the rounds wore on.

What’s Next for Joshua?

After a loss like this, the question remains: where does Anthony Joshua go from here?

A Long Road to Redemption

First, Joshua will need to reassess his career. He could still make a comeback, but it won’t be easy. His name still carries weight in the division, and with the right adjustments, he could work his way back into the title picture. However, it will likely involve fighting lesser-known opponents to regain his confidence before challenging elite contenders again.

Retirement?

There is also the looming question of retirement. Joshua has accomplished a great deal in his career, becoming a two-time heavyweight champion and winning Olympic gold. But boxing is an unforgiving sport, and after several punishing fights, he may decide that the risk outweighs the reward. Retirement would allow him to leave the sport with his legacy intact, avoiding further damage to his reputation and health.

Is Tyson Fury Still an Option?

For years, boxing fans have been clamoring for a showdown between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury. But with this loss, that dream seems more distant than ever. The fight, once billed as the ultimate British heavyweight clash, may now no longer hold the same appeal, particularly from Fury’s perspective. Joshua’s stock has plummeted, and Fury may see little value in fighting a man who just suffered a devastating loss to a lesser-known contender like Dubois.

However, boxing is a sport of narratives, and if Joshua can bounce back, the fight with Fury could still happen. If anything, Fury might see this as an opportunity to add another major name to his résumé, with less risk attached. If Joshua can string together a couple of wins, even against lower-tier opposition, the fight could regain its allure—if only for its commercial value.

Conclusion: The Last Chance?

Joshua’s loss to Daniel Dubois marks a pivotal moment in his career. His once-unstoppable rise now feels like a distant memory, and his future in boxing is uncertain. If he is to make one last run at the top, it will require a complete overhaul of his approach—both mentally and physically.

As for Tyson Fury, Joshua may still represent his most lucrative fight outside of a unification bout with Oleksandr Usyk. But with Joshua’s credibility as a top heavyweight slipping away, this might truly be his last chance to secure the biggest fight of his career.

The road ahead is uncertain, and Anthony Joshua must decide if he still has the hunger to climb back to the top of the heavyweight mountain. Otherwise, his storied career may be approaching its final chapter.