London, UK - Anthony Joshua, the former two-time Unified Heavyweight Champion, faced a major setback in his quest to become a three-time champion after suffering a shocking fifth-round knockout loss to Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium. The defeat has sparked widespread calls for Joshua, now 34, to consider retiring from the sport. However, the British heavyweight remains defiant, insisting that his career is "far from over" and that he still has more to accomplish in the heavyweight division.

In a video message posted on social media, Joshua reflected on the highs and lows of his career and expressed his determination to push forward. "We came up short, but we have to look at the positives," he said. "It's far from over. We've done it once, we've done it twice, and doing it a third time hasn't been easy, but I believe it's something I can achieve."

The Rollercoaster Journey

Joshua’s career has been one of immense highs and crushing lows. His victories over Wladimir Klitschko, Andy Ruiz Jr. (in their rematch), and many others helped establish him as one of the biggest names in boxing. But defeats to Ruiz, Oleksandr Usyk, and now Dubois have led some to question whether his best days are behind him.

Despite the setback against Dubois, Joshua pointed to his accomplishments and the support of his fans as motivation to continue. He urged his supporters to "keep your seatbelts tight" because his journey is far from over.

The Fight with Dubois

The bout against Daniel Dubois was expected to be a defining moment for Joshua, an opportunity to reclaim a heavyweight title and position himself for even bigger fights in the future. However, Dubois proved to be a far tougher opponent than many expected. From the opening bell, Dubois applied relentless pressure, dropping Joshua in the first round and again throughout the fight.

Dubois’ power and aggression overwhelmed Joshua, who, despite showing flashes of his former self, could not withstand the onslaught. Dubois knocked Joshua down four times in total, with the final blow in the fifth round ending the fight and handing Dubois the biggest win of his career by far.

Future Plans and Potential Rematch

Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, has floated the idea of a rematch with Dubois, something Joshua has expressed interest in as well. Joshua's competitive nature and desire for redemption are driving him to continue climbing, but there are legitimate concerns about his ability to perform at the highest level, especially after multiple high-profile losses.

In addition to a potential rematch with Dubois, another long-discussed fight with Tyson Fury remains a possibility. Fury, who is set to face Oleksandr Usyk in December, would be a significant challenge for Joshua, especially given his recent form.

The Case for Retirement

While Joshua remains committed to continuing his career, some within the boxing community believe it may be time for him to consider hanging up his gloves. At 34 years old, Joshua has been through a series of punishing fights that have taken a toll on his body and mind. His knockout loss to Dubois, combined with previous defeats to Ruiz and Usyk, has led to questions about whether Joshua can return to his peak form.

Critics argue that Joshua has little left to prove. He has already secured his place in boxing history as a two-time unified heavyweight champion and an Olympic gold medalist. Continuing to fight could risk further damage to his legacy and health.

The Case for Continuing

On the other hand, Joshua's supporters argue that he still has much to offer the sport. Despite his losses, Joshua remains a massive draw in the heavyweight division, and his competitive spirit is evident. A rematch with Dubois or a long-awaited showdown with Fury could provide Joshua with the opportunity to once again prove himself on the world stage.

Moreover, Joshua's ability to bounce back from adversity has been a hallmark of his career. After his shocking loss to Ruiz in 2019, Joshua returned stronger than ever, reclaiming his titles in the rematch. He could very well do the same following his loss to Dubois.

Uncertain Future

Anthony Joshua's future in boxing remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: he is not ready to walk away just yet. Whether he chooses to pursue a rematch with Dubois, seek a fight with Tyson Fury, or take another path entirely, Joshua remains committed to his goal of becoming Undisputed Heavyweight Champion. While some argue that it's time for him to retire, Joshua’s determination and resilience suggest that his journey in the ring is far from over.

The coming months will be crucial in determining Joshua's next move, but for now, the former champion remains focused on redemption and continuing to compete at the highest level.