Anthony Joshua's bid to become a three-time heavyweight champion ended in a crushing defeat. The British boxer lost to Daniel Dubois, the new IBF titleholder, in a fight that shocked many fans.
Dubois stopped Joshua in the fifth round, knocking him down three times. The fight's brutal ending left no doubt about the outcome.
Former undisputed heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis shared his thoughts on the fight with Box Nation. 'The Lion' had high praise for Dubois:
"Very impressed [with Dubois]. I was impressed with the right hand. I couldn't believe how well he threw it, he was so accurate with it. He just looked like he was ready for that. He looked like he's been through the trials and tribulations and now he's ready to step up. He did it with Big Baby Miller, what did he say, 'I'll be your Daddy.' He's usually quiet, so that showed he's got that meanness in him, ready."
Lewis pointed out Dubois' growth as a fighter, noting his confidence before the fight:
"Even when he stood up to Anthony Joshua and said 'you don't intimidate me' and Anthony Joshua wanted to hit him with the chair, I think Daniel won that first battle. He's really grown as a fighter. I'm really impressed and happy that he was successful in what he wanted, he wanted to be heavyweight champion of the world. Nobody can dispute that."
For Joshua, this loss marks his most bruising defeat yet. Lewis believes Joshua's best days might be behind him:
"It seems so. My best of Anthony Joshua was definitely the Klitschko fight. He boxed well, came from off the floor, showed great heart. So, yeah."
Lewis advises against an immediate rematch for Joshua:
"No I don't think he should take the rematch. I think he should take a rest for a minute and then come back."
Dubois will defend his belt in February. Joshua will likely sit out until summer. His next opponent depends on the outcome of the Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk rematch.
This loss has shaken up the heavyweight division. Fans will watch closely to see how both fighters move forward from here.
