Anthony Joshua's career has taken a sharp turn after his recent defeat. The British boxer suffered his fourth professional loss when Daniel Dubois knocked him out in five rounds during their IBF Championship bout.
Joshua's defeat has led to a significant drop in his standing in the sport. The loss was particularly bruising, as it dashed his hopes of becoming a three-time world titleholder.
Zhilei Zhang, who lost to Joshua in the 2012 London Olympics, has changed his tune about facing the British boxer. Zhang, fresh off a knockout win over Deontay Wilder, had been calling for a professional fight with Joshua for years.
"I've been saying for years I want to test his chin, I want to test his chin. Dubois did the job for me. I saw the result and right now I don't want to test him anymore. He's gonna do everything he can to avoid me."
Zhang's statement marks a significant shift from his previous attempts to secure a fight with Joshua. The Chinese boxer no longer sees the need to test Joshua's chin, as Dubois has already done so.
A recent poll showed that 45% of boxing fans think Joshua should consider retirement. Zhang agrees with this sentiment.
"My first reaction was I was with 45% of your audience. That's the way to go. If you're going to the rematch like that I just don't think it's a good thing. I think it's a career-ending rematch if he takes that route. Maybe he can fight Deontay Wilder. But I really don't know. It's a question only he can answer based on his own experience."
Zhang expresses concern about Joshua's future, suggesting that a rematch with Dubois could end his career. He mentions a possible fight with Deontay Wilder as an alternative but ultimately believes the decision rests with Joshua.
As for Zhang, he's looking to avenge his loss against Joseph Parker. Meanwhile, Joshua is weighing his options, with an immediate rematch against Dubois seeming most likely.
The boxing world will watch closely as Joshua decides his next move. His choice will shape not only his own future but also the landscape of heavyweight boxing.
