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Former two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has been handed a 28-day suspension following his knockout defeat to Daniel Dubois at London’s Wembley Stadium last Saturday. The British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) issued the ban, following the standard procedure for fighters who suffer TKO or KO losses as recommended by the Association of Boxing Commissions and Combative Sports.
The 34-year-old Joshua, once regarded as one of boxing’s most dominant figures, had a brutal night in the ring. He hit the canvas three times before Dubois landed the final blow—a powerful right hand in the fifth round, securing his win. This marked Joshua’s fourth career defeat, a blow to the former champion, whose previous losses include the shocking upset against Andy Ruiz Jr. in 2019 and back-to-back defeats to Oleksandr Usyk in 2021 and 2022.
Understanding the Suspension
While the term "suspension" may raise concerns among fans, it is important to note that this is a standard precautionary measure for boxers in the UK who are knocked out. The British Boxing Board of Control imposes these temporary suspensions to allow fighters time to recover from the physical trauma they endure in the ring.
At just 28 days, Joshua's suspension is relatively short and unlikely to have a significant impact on his career. However, it will prevent him from sparring or engaging in any official boxing activities during that period. The suspension serves as a necessary medical precaution to ensure the fighter is healthy and fit for future bouts.
The Bigger Picture: What’s Next for Anthony Joshua?
The real question is what’s next for Joshua after this latest defeat. At 34 years old, he faces a pivotal moment in his career. Once hailed as the future of the heavyweight division, Joshua now finds himself at a crossroads. Four losses—two of them devastating—have raised questions about whether he can still compete with the top-tier talent in the division.
Potential Opponents
One of the most intriguing matchups could be a showdown with Deontay Wilder. Wilder, like Joshua, is also navigating the twilight of his career, and a fight between the two would not only generate massive interest but also give Joshua a chance to prove he can still compete with the sport's elite. Both fighters are coming off losses, and a win against Wilder would restore some of Joshua’s prestige.
Alternatively, Joshua might seek a rematch with Andy Ruiz Jr. The storylines are rich—after all, Joshua avenged his 2019 loss to Ruiz in a rematch, and a trilogy fight could reignite interest in his career. However, the risk of another loss might make his team hesitant to pursue this path immediately.
Can Joshua Return to Form?
Joshua’s future depends not just on who he fights next but on whether he can mentally and physically recover from these back-to-back setbacks. Many of his recent struggles have been attributed to confidence issues in the ring, and his knockout loss to Dubois could further compound these concerns. However, Joshua has always been a resilient fighter, and if he can find the right coaching adjustments and regain his self-belief, there’s no reason he couldn’t stage a comeback.
Fight.TV Breakdown
While Anthony Joshua’s 28-day suspension may not affect his long-term plans, his latest defeat to Daniel Dubois raises important questions about his future in the heavyweight division. With several potential opponents and options on the table, what happens next could determine whether Joshua can reignite his career or if he’s facing the end of an era.
One thing is clear—when Anthony Joshua returns to the ring, it will be a crucial moment for the former champion as he fights not only for victory but for his legacy.
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