British heavyweight Anthony Joshua was knocked out badly on Saturday night, and one image encapsulated the defeat instantly.
Captured by Mark Robinson of Matchroom Boxing, Joshua’s face was a startling picture as the Londoner took another heavy blow from Daniel Dubois. Joshua was beaten up and taken out by Dubois, who dominated the IBF heavyweight title fight from start to finish.
That one photograph will live long in Joshua’s memory, as he lost the chance to become a three-time champion and saw his top-level career end.
One comment on the still read, “This looks like a meme, but it’s real. I feel sick.”
In addition, arch-rival Tyson Fury praised Dubois, who he sparred on his way back from mental issues in 2017.
“Fantastic job, fair play to young Dan. Everybody wrote him off. Coming here, he was the world champion, and everyone treated him like he was a bum. He showed what he’s made of, fantastic, fair play. Listen, it’s heavyweight boxing. It [knockouts] happens, doesn’t it? It happened to me, and it can happen to anybody.”
Eddie Hearn stated Joshua would seek out a Fury fight next in what would be a match-up of heavyweight losers from their last fights.
“We have another fight with Riyadh Season. His Excellency Turki Alalshikh and Dubois [possible rematch] is part of that plan, but so could be Fury or another heavyweight.
“We fancied winning tonight and facing the winner of Usyk vs Fury. Now we may end up fighting the loser of that fight if it’s Fury.”
When asked if he would retire, Joshua said, “Of course. I want to continue fighting. I’m a warrior.”
Sadly for Joshua, upon viewing the evidence, he was roundly taken out and didn’t resist much. The referee Howard Foster also kept him in the fight for more rounds than he should have.
Read all articles and exclusive interviews by Phil Jay. Learn more about the author, experienced boxing writer, and World Boxing News Editor since 2010. Follow on Twitter @PhilJWBN.
