JOSHUA STUNNED BY DUBOIS: WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE HEAVYWEIGHT STARS?

In a shocking turn of events, Daniel Dubois (22-2, 21 KOs) knocked out Anthony Joshua (28-4, 25 KOs) in the fifth round, flooring him four times during the fight. This marks Joshua’s fourth professional loss and raises questions about his future in boxing. Dubois, at just 27, has now positioned himself as a serious contender for a potential fight against the winner of the upcoming Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk bout.

Despite the devastating loss, Joshua remains committed to fighting, with his promoter, Eddie Hearn, suggesting that a rematch with Dubois may be in the works. However, it is unlikely that Joshua will move directly to a title shot against Fury if Fury defeats Usyk later this year. Instead, 2025 could see Joshua and Fury finally collide in one of the biggest fights in British boxing history.

Dubois, on the other hand, is looking at a brighter future. With his growing confidence, he might prioritize a unification bout with the Fury-Usyk winner. Dubois has a history with Usyk, having lost to him previously, but this victory against Joshua may grant him another shot at the heavyweight champion. Dubois’ knockout win has put him on the radar as a rising force in the division, with major fights potentially on the horizon.

While Joshua has suffered yet another setback, his legacy and status as one of the sport’s highest earners ($83 million in the past year alone) mean that he still has opportunities ahead of him. Whether he can overcome these challenges and return to the top remains to be seen, but time is ticking for the 34-year-old fighter.

This defeat also reignites discussions about Joshua’s punch resistance and ability to handle high-pressure fights. Despite a recent run of good form under trainer Ben Davison, this loss brings back doubts that have haunted Joshua since his upset defeat to Andy Ruiz Jr. in 2019.

For now, Joshua must regroup, while Dubois enjoys the fruits of his stunning victory. The heavyweight division is shifting, and the boxing world will be watching closely to see what comes next for both fighters.