Anthony Joshua: Matthew Macklin says two-time world heavyweight champion should retire after shock Daniel Dubois defeat

Anthony Joshua: Matthew Macklin Urges Retirement After Shock Daniel Dubois Defeat

In a stunning turn of events, Anthony Joshua, the two-time world heavyweight champion, suffered an unexpected defeat at the hands of Daniel Dubois, leaving the boxing world in shock. Following the loss, former professional boxer and commentator Matthew Macklin has voiced his belief that Joshua should now consider retirement, marking the end of an illustrious career.

The Dubois Defeat: A Turning Point

The fight between Joshua and Dubois, which many saw as a routine victory for the more experienced Joshua, took a different turn. In what many are calling the upset of the year, Dubois knocked Joshua out, putting his future in the sport under intense scrutiny. It wasn’t just the loss itself but the manner in which it happened, with Joshua looking a shadow of his former self in the later rounds.

Macklin, who has closely followed Joshua’s career, was quick to offer his perspective on the defeat. “This is a fight Joshua was supposed to win. To lose to someone like Dubois, who is still developing, is concerning. I think he should strongly consider stepping away from the sport. He’s had a great career, but sometimes, it’s better to leave before things spiral further.”

Joshua’s Career at a Crossroads

Since capturing the world’s attention in 2012 with an Olympic gold medal and later becoming a unified heavyweight champion, Joshua’s career has seen highs and lows. However, following his 2019 shock defeat to Andy Ruiz Jr. and subsequent performances that lacked the same explosive power and dominance, questions about his longevity have persisted.

While Joshua redeemed himself in a rematch against Ruiz, his losses to Oleksandr Usyk in 2021 and 2022 exposed significant vulnerabilities. His victory over Jermaine Franklin earlier in 2024 was seen as a step in the right direction, but the loss to Dubois has reignited discussions about whether Joshua’s best days are behind him.

Macklin’s Perspective

Matthew Macklin, a former middleweight contender and boxing analyst, believes the Dubois defeat signifies more than just an off-night for Joshua. According to Macklin, Joshua’s defeat represents a deeper issue regarding his current state in the sport.

“Joshua has been through wars, both physically and mentally. He’s achieved everything he set out to do—winning Olympic gold, becoming a two-time world champion, selling out arenas. But boxing is an unforgiving sport. Sometimes, you have to know when to walk away. If he doesn’t, he risks tarnishing his legacy or worse, taking unnecessary punishment that could affect his long-term health,” Macklin explained.

Macklin isn’t the only one to question whether Joshua should continue. Other analysts have also pointed out that Joshua’s recent performances show signs of physical decline and perhaps mental fatigue.

What’s Next for Joshua?

Despite the calls for retirement, Joshua has always maintained that he is far from done with boxing. The former champion has repeatedly expressed his desire to reclaim the heavyweight crown. However, the path ahead is now more complicated than ever, with rising stars like Dubois, Usyk, and Tyson Fury dominating the division.

If Joshua decides to continue, he may need to change strategies, take on fewer risks, and carefully select opponents to rebuild his confidence. On the other hand, retirement offers a chance to leave the sport while still holding his reputation as one of the most successful British boxers of all time.

Conclusion

For many, including Macklin, the defeat to Daniel Dubois is a clear sign that Anthony Joshua should consider stepping away from the ring. While Joshua’s legacy as one of the greatest heavyweights of his era is secure, the question remains whether he will heed the advice of those urging him to retire or continue to pursue the elusive goal of regaining his place at the top of the division.

As boxing fans worldwide await Joshua’s decision, one thing is certain: the outcome will define the next chapter of his remarkable career.