Anthony Joshua said he will continue fighting after suffering a devastating knockout defeat against IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois.
Joshua was on the back foot from the outset and never recovered as Dubois sealed victory in five rounds.
Despite seeing his four-fight win streak halted unceremoniously, Joshua rejected the suggestion that he could hang up his gloves.
“Of course I still want to continue fighting,” Joshua said at the post-fight news conference.
“We took a shot at success and came up short. Are we going to run away now or live to fight another day? I’m a warrior.”
Joshua was attempting to join legends Muhammad Ali, Lennox Lewis, Evander Holyfield and Vitali Klitschko in becoming a three-time world heavyweight champion.
Matchroom’s Eddie Hearn, who promotes Joshua, told the 34-year-old not to attend the news conference, but his fighter was adamant that he wanted to deliver a statement to the media.
Joshua, sporting bruises under both eyes and on his neck, did not take questions but gave a statement.
“Always walk with your head up high,” he added.
“We rolled the dice. That’s 13 world title fights, not all of them have been successful but they’ve all been fun and entertaining.
“We want to create history for British boxing and I think we are doing that.”
Almost 500,000 fans have watched Joshua headline in six British stadium fights. His contribution to the growth of British boxing is incontestable.
It was Joshua’s first world title fight since losing his rematch against Oleksandr Usyk for the WBA (Super), IBF and WBO belts in August 2022.
Despite the disappointment of the recent loss, Anthony Joshua remains resolute in his commitment to continue fighting.
The knockout defeat to Daniel Dubois marked a significant setback for Joshua, who had been aiming to reclaim his status among the heavyweight elite. Throughout the fight, he struggled to find his rhythm, ultimately succumbing to Dubois in the fifth round—a stark contrast to his previous four-fight win streak.
Anthony Joshua promoter, Eddie Hearn, had advised him against attending the conference, likely due to the emotional toll of the defeat. However, Anthony Joshua felt it was important to face the media and express his feelings directly. “Always walk with your head up high,” he reminded his fans, showcasing his resilience. With bruises evident on his face, he also took a moment to reflect on his journey, saying, “We rolled the dice. That’s 13 world title fights, not all of them have been successful but they’ve all been fun and entertaining.”
His remarks highlight the entertainment and spectacle he has brought to the sport, contributing significantly to the popularity of boxing in the UK. Joshua’s electrifying presence in the ring has attracted nearly 500,000 fans to his fights in British stadiums, making him a cornerstone of British boxing’s modern era.
Looking forward, Joshua aims to continue building his legacy and inspiring the next generation of fighters. He expressed a desire to create history for British boxing, a sentiment that resonates with many of his supporters. His journey is far from over, and as he regroups after this defeat, fans are eager to see how he will adapt and evolve in future bouts.
Joshua’s resolve serves as a reminder of the challenges athletes face and the courage it takes to confront them head-on. As he prepares for the next chapter in his boxing career, one thing is clear: Anthony Joshua is determined to bounce back and reclaim his place among the heavyweight greats. The road ahead may be tough, but his spirit and dedication to the sport remain unshaken.