Anthony Joshua’s Future in Doubt New Opponent Suggested Amid Promoters Stark Warning
Legendary boxing promoter Bob Arum has raised eyebrows by suggesting potential next opponents for Anthony Joshua, while also delivering a sobering assessment of the heavyweight’s career trajectory. Following Joshua’s recent loss to Daniel Dubois, in which he was knocked out in the fifth round after being downed three times, Arum stated bluntly, “It’s over for him” at the top level of boxing.
The defeat at Wembley marked Joshua’s fourth career loss, following previous setbacks against Andy Ruiz Jr. and Oleksandr Usyk (twice). As a result, the 34-year-old has been placed under a standard 28-day boxing suspension, prompting discussions about his future in the ring.
With Joshua’s aspirations for a blockbuster fight against Tyson Fury likely dashed, speculation mounts over his next move. Promoter Eddie Hearn mentioned the possibility of activating a rematch clause with Dubois, although that idea has not gained traction among other commentators.
While Joshua has downplayed retirement rumors, Arum believes the situation is critical. “You don’t have an off night getting the s*** kicked out of you that way,” he stated, suggesting that the two-time heavyweight champion has endured significant challenges in his career. He also hinted at a potential bout between Joshua and Deontay Wilder, both of whom are at a crossroads in their careers.
Wilder, who has lost four of his last five fights—including a recent defeat to Zhilei Zhang—also faces uncertainty. Despite his struggles, a matchup with Joshua could provide a fitting opportunity for both fighters to revive their careers.
Eddie Hearn acknowledged the reality of Joshua’s situation, suggesting he has “between maybe one and three fights left.” He emphasized that Joshua’s focus remains on securing the biggest possible matchups, with a rematch against Dubois at the top of his priority list.
As Joshua navigates this critical juncture, his next steps will be closely watched, not only for their implications on his career but also for the heavyweight division as a whole. The boxing world waits to see if Joshua can rebound and reclaim his status, or if this latest defeat marks a turning point in
his journey.