Anthony Joshua Faces 28-Day Boxing Ban After Shocking Defeat
Nigerian-born British heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua has been handed a minimum 28-day suspension from boxing following his recent defeat at the hands of Daniel Dubois. The match, held on September 21, ended dramatically in the fifth round, with Dubois knocking Joshua down four times before securing a knockout victory. The bout took place in front of a roaring crowd of 96,000 at Wembley Stadium in London, intensifying the shock of Joshua’s loss.
This victory not only allowed Dubois to defend his IBF heavyweight title successfully but also left Joshua’s future in the ring uncertain. In accordance with standard procedure, the British Boxing Board of Control has implemented the suspension, a requirement in line with the regulations set forth by the Association of Boxing Commissions and Combative Sports. Such regulations mandate medical suspensions for fighters who experience knockouts or technical knockouts.
Despite the setback, Joshua remains optimistic about his boxing career, indicating he could return to the ring as early as November 2024. He has expressed no intention of retiring, even after enduring four defeats over the past three years. After the match, Joshua addressed his supporters, stating, “You’re probably asking if I still want to consider fighting. Of course, I want to continue fighting.”
Reflecting on his recent bout, he said, “We took a shot at success and came up short. What does that mean now? We’re going to live to fight another day. And that’s what I am – I’m a warrior. Always walk with your head high. We rolled the dice for the third time. There have been 13 world title fights; not every one of them has been successful, but everyone has been fun.”
Joshua also acknowledged Dubois’s performance, stating, “Fine margins will cost you at the top level. I take my hat off to him and say well done.” As fans and analysts await his return, the boxing community remains eager to see how Joshua will respond to this latest challenge.
