Anthony Joshua Eyes Comeback, Says ‘I’m Not Finished’

By El-ameen Ibrahim

British-Nigerian boxer Anthony Joshua has declared his intention to keep fighting, despite suffering a brutal knockout at the hands of IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois.

The fight, which ended in the fifth round, saw Joshua on the defensive from the start and struggling to regain control.

The loss halted Joshua’s four-fight winning streak, but the former champion has dismissed suggestions of retirement. “I’m not quitting,” Joshua said during a post-fight press briefing.

“We aimed for success and fell short this time, but I’m a fighter. Do we run away now or live to fight another day? I’m a warrior.”

Joshua had been aiming to join the ranks of heavyweight legends like Muhammad Ali, Lennox Lewis, Evander Holyfield, and Vitali Klitschko by becoming a three-time world champion.

His promoter, Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing, had advised the 34-year-old not to attend the press conference following the defeat, but Joshua insisted on addressing the media.

Bruised and visibly shaken, Joshua opted not to take questions but made a brief statement. “Always keep your head held high. That’s 13 world title fights—some wins, some losses—but all of them have been thrilling. We’re making history for British boxing, and that’s what matters,” he said.

Joshua’s influence on the sport is undeniable, with nearly 500,000 fans attending his headline events in six major UK stadiums.

His efforts have been pivotal in the resurgence of British boxing over the past decade.

This was Joshua’s first world title fight since losing his rematch against Oleksandr Usyk for the WBA (Super), IBF, and WBO belts in August 2022. Despite the setback, the former champion remains focused on his future in the ring.