Anthony Joshua has had his dreams of becoming a three-time world champion ended but he’s refusing to hang up the gloves just yet.
AJ was stunned by Daniel Dubois in their IBF world title clash, as he was dropped four times en route to a devastating stoppage defeat in September.
AJ called for an immediate sequel and it was targeted to take place on a mega card in February in Saudi Arabia.
But that appears to be now off the table with Joshua unable to make the date after suffering minor injuries.
Promoter Eddie Hearn insists his prized asset could instead now wait to see the outcome of Tyson Fury’s rematch with Oleksandr Usyk on December 21, before deciding his next opponent.
Joshua: Debut and fights so far
Following his Olympic Gold at the London 2012 games, the Watford-born star turned professional.
He made his debut at the O2 Arena against Emanuele Leo on October 5, 2013.
He easily dispatched his opponent in the first round and won a further 13 fights comfortably.
But Joshua’s career progressed to another level in 2015 when he came up against fellow London-based boxer Whyte.
The bout lasted seven rounds before AJ’s superior skill saw him emerge victorious via knockout.
Joshua then earned the IBF belt with a comfortable victory over Charles Martin and defended his title against Dominic Breazeale and Eric Molina.
Then came AJ’s best win as he added the WBA and IBO belts to his collection with an astonishing win over Klitschko.
Wins over Joseph Parker and Alexander Povetkin followed as he became the unified world champion before a shock defeat to Andy Ruiz Jr in New York saw Joshua lose his belts.
He won them back in the rematch against Ruiz and dispatched Kubrat Pulev to set up the first Usyk clash.
The Ukrainian moved up from cruiserweight but produced a boxing masterclass at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to win via unanimous decision and claim all the belts.
The rematch occurred in Saudi Arabia, and Joshua produced a much better display but still lost on a split decision and left the Middle East empty-handed.
His next fight saw him face Franklin, who lasted the full 12 rounds without really threatening Joshua, handing the Brit a unanimous decision victory.
He was then meant to face Whyte again, but his fellow Londoner saw an anti-doping test find ‘adverse’ findings and it was cancelled, so Helenius stepped in.
The Finnish boxer proved to be no match for Joshua, who knocked him out in round seven.
His rediscovered ruthless streak saw him make light work of former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou.
‘The Predator’ had given Fury a scare months before, but lasted less than two rounds before Joshua dispatched him.
That performance made his showing against Dubois all the more shocking, as an uncharacteristic display saw him fall flat at Wembley.
Anthony Joshua: Wins, losses and record
Of the 32 fights Joshua has participated in, he has won 28 with four defeats.
He has claimed 25 knockout victories, with five coming inside the first round.
Anthony Joshua: Weight, height and reach
Ahead of his Dubois defeat, Joshua weighed in 252.3lbs, the same weight as he came in during his recent win over Francis Ngannou.
The 35-year-old also stands at an imposing 6ft 6 (198cm) and has a reach of 82in (208cm).
Anthony Joshua: Next fight
Joshua’s next fight is yet to be confirmed.
It is likely he will now wait for the outcome of Fury’s rematch with Usyk on December 21, with one eye on facing the Gypsy King.
However, Spencer Oliver believes Joshua should be fighting Dubois next for a second time.
“For me is no credibility in that [accepting another fight],” Oliver said on an episode of talkBOXING.
“If you get the opportunity to fight Daniel Dubois again and it’s on the table that’s where I’m going.
“Fighting like a Dillian Whyte for example, AJ clearly has trouble with his style and risk and reward of that doesn’t outweigh it.
“It would be better to go in with Daniel Dubois and daring to be great and become a three-time heavyweight champion.”
When asked if he could face lower popularity from the boxing public if he doesn’t go back in with Dubois, he added: “That is the consequences he could face.
“That’s the world we live in. At this stage of your career, you need to go in there and roll the dice.
“That’s where I’m at with it, I’m sure he’d want too as well. He’s obviously being guided to go elsewhere.
“They have said he won’t be ready by February 22, that’s a long time away.”
