By Ricardo Lezama 
In a much-anticipated heavyweight clash held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday, September 21, two renowned British heavyweights, Anthony Joshua faced off against Daniel Dubois for the IBF world heavyweight title as part of Saudi Arabia’s effort to diversify its economy through sports and entertainment via Riyadh Season linked promotions. Nonetheless, the actual fight took place in Wembley Stadium, United Kingdom.
In what was quite the upset, the fight concluded in a stunning fashion with Dubois knocking out Joshua in the fifth round, marking a significant setback in Joshua’s illustrious boxing career. As the match unfolded, it became apparent that Joshua encountered significant difficulties. Specifically, his legs stiffened as Daniel Dubois landed thunderous overhands and hooks to the left side of Anthony Joshua’s face.
After being knocked down in the first round and again in the third, he ultimately succumbed to Dubois’s powerful punches, resulting in a KO victory in the fifth round. One thing that must be noted is that Joshua never really covered up with either his lead or back hand. While Joshua offered as jab as part of his attempt to box at a distance, Dubois would land pretty much at will.
With this win, Dubois claimed the coveted IBF heavyweight belt and has bounced back from difficult defeats in the volatile division.
Post-fight, Joshua addressed his supporters, expressing resilience in the face of defeat: “We’re going to live to fight another day. And that’s what I am—I’m a warrior.” His sentiments were echoed by boxing analysts and fans alike, including Teddy Atlas, who remarked that Joshua now has two possible paths—retirement or redemption. Many fans took to social media, sharing their sadness over his loss and a sense of pride in his previous achievements, despite the painful defeat. Critics dissected Joshua’s performance, suggesting that it could indicate serious issues in his preparation and overall fighting ability.
Some commentators even hypothesized that Joshua may have exhibited signs of decline present in his fight tactics and defense throughout the match. Carl Froch, a notable voice in boxing commentary, described Joshua’s attempts in the later rounds as “novice-level,” raising questions about his future in the sport. The loss led to widespread speculation about Joshua’s next steps. Many fans and analysts called for him to exercise his rematch clause to face Dubois again, citing the importance of perseverance in heavyweight boxing. The defeat sparked conversations about Joshua’s legacy, with some stating that it was now “in a mess” due to this setback.
While Joshua’s defeat evokes strong emotions, it also serves as a pivotal moment in his career, pushing him toward potential redemption. Despite the criticisms and the disappointment from loyal fans, there remains hope that the two-time world heavyweight champion can rebound from this loss and reclaim his status in boxing. The heavyweight division continues to be dynamic, and any potential rematch between Joshua and Dubois could capture significant attention in the boxing community. Recall that both have been defeated in different ways by current unified champion Oleksander Usyk.