Anthony Joshua's boxing future hangs in the balance after his knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in September. The defeat has sparked a debate about whether the former heavyweight champion should hang up his gloves.
Carl Froch, a respected voice in boxing, thinks Joshua should call it quits. In a recent interview, Froch didn't mince words about Joshua's career trajectory.
"I'm honest and tell the truth, and I think Anthony Joshua has had a fabulous career based on his level of ability. He's been ironed out a few times and that last whooping he took from Daniel Dubois looked like a hurtful one which is potentially damaging to your health."
Froch emphasized the importance of health over wealth, pointing out that Joshua's considerable fortune can't protect him from the physical toll of the sport.
"You can have as much money as you want in the bank. 100 million, 150 million, whatever level he's on. Your health is more important. You can't put a price on your health. The way he got knocked out looked like he had been tasered by Dubois."
The former super-middleweight champion also criticized Joshua's recent opposition, suggesting that the Dubois fight exposed his vulnerabilities.
"Hurt in round one, ironed out in round five, why is he fighting? Since losing to Ruiz, and then back to back defeats to Usyk, he's fought Franklin, Helenius, Wallin, Ngannou. He's had no competition in front of him. The minute someone has turned up with ambition, which is Dubois, he didn't want to know. He got found out and exposed. Now the best thing he can do is retire."
Joshua's fifth-round knockout loss to Dubois at Wembley Stadium marked a significant setback in his career. He's chosen not to exercise his rematch clause, reportedly due to injuries.
Despite the setback, there's talk of a potential fight with Tyson Fury, billed as a huge battle of Britain. This match could happen regardless of Fury's performance against Oleksandr Usyk.
Another potential opponent for Joshua, should he continue, is long-term rival Deontay Wilder. Interestingly, when asked to pick a winner between Joshua and Wilder, unified heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk didn't hesitate with his answer.
Joshua's decision about his boxing future will surely be a topic of intense discussion in the coming months. Will he heed Froch's advice and retire, or will he step back into the ring for another shot at glory? Only time will tell.
