Anthony Joshua's boxing career remains a hot topic, though lately for less positive reasons due to his recent losses. The heavyweight boxer's future in the sport has become a subject of debate.
Joshua's journey in professional boxing started with high expectations. After winning Olympic Gold, he turned pro and quickly made a name for himself. His first professional bout ended in a stoppage win, setting the tone for a winning streak that led him to his first world title.
The Brit's career hit new heights when he won the IBF title against Charles Martin. He added more belts to his collection with wins over Joseph Parker and Wladimir Klitschko. These victories coincided with a boxing renaissance in the UK, making Joshua a household name.
However, Joshua's career took a turn in 2019 when he suffered his first loss to Andy Ruiz Jr. Though he avenged this defeat in a rematch, more setbacks followed. He faced Oleksandr Usyk in back-to-back fights, losing all his belts over 24 tough rounds.
The most recent blow came in September when Joshua faced Daniel Dubois for the IBF title. Dubois stopped Joshua in the fifth round, knocking him down three times in a stunning upset.
These losses have led to speculation about Joshua's future in boxing. Billy Joe Saunders, a former two-weight world champion, shared his thoughts on the matter in a recent interview with iFL TV.
"I don't think he should retire, no."
Saunders believes Joshua can become a three-time world champion. He also backs Joshua in a potential rematch with Dubois, saying:
"Anybody can have an off night."
Dubois himself is open to a rematch but thinks Joshua will face mental challenges before stepping into the ring again.
Despite the recent setbacks, Joshua's career continues to captivate boxing fans. The coming months will likely reveal more about his plans and whether he'll aim for that third world title as Saunders suggests.