By Daily Sports Nigeria on September 24, 2024

Former two-time heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua has been urged to retire from boxing following his knockout defeat to fellow Brit Daniel Dubois on Saturday.

The call came from former boxing champion Prince Naseem Hamed, who believes Joshua should bow out of the sport after suffering his fourth professional loss.

Speaking to iFL TV, Hamed said, “Whether he can or he can’t, I’d prefer him not to. He’s had his day in the sun like we all have. He’s done great; he won amazing world titles; he’s defended them; he’s earned his dough. Listen, he should bow out gracefully, and that’s it, done.”

The 34-year-old Joshua was dropped multiple times before a powerful right hand in the fifth round ended his bid to return to the pinnacle of the heavyweight division. The defeat has raised questions about his future in the sport, but Joshua has dismissed the idea of retirement.

“I want to continue fighting. We took a shot, and we came up short. What are we going to do—walk away? We’re going to live another day,” Joshua said defiantly after the fight.

Hamed, who retired at the age of 28 with a record of 36 wins and one loss, expressed concern for Joshua, highlighting the dangers of continuing in such a physically demanding sport, especially when taking heavy blows.

Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, has since confirmed that they plan to exercise the rematch clause included in the fight contract.

Despite the defeat, Hearn believes Joshua still has what it takes to compete at the top level of the sport and hinted at a potential rematch or a major fight in Saudi Arabia under the Riyadh Season banner.

However, Hamed’s call for Joshua to step away from boxing has echoed concerns from some quarters, especially after a series of setbacks in recent years. Having previously lost his unified titles to Oleksandr Usyk in 2021 and now suffering another crushing defeat to Dubois, the task of returning to the top is increasingly herculean for the British-Nigerian boxer.

Dubois, on the other hand, has been hailed for his career-defining performance. The 25-year-old delivered a commanding display, asserting his position among the division’s elite.His victory over Joshua has now set him on a path to even bigger fights, with his stock rising dramatically after the Wembley
showdown.

Source Punch Ng

Posted September 24, 2024

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