Anthony Joshua, the two-time world heavyweight champion, has been handed a 28-day suspension from boxing by the British Boxing Board of Control. This comes just a week after his defeat to fellow Brit Daniel Dubois.
The 34-year-old hit the canvas three times before being knocked out in the fifth round at Wembley.
It’s standard practice for a fighter to receive a 28-day suspension following a stoppage defeat. However, as Joshua isn’t scheduled to fight during this period, the suspension won’t really affect his plans.
It also seems unlikely that he will return to the ring this year.
This loss to Dubois marks the fourth defeat in Joshua’s career. In 2019, he suffered a surprising loss to Andy Ruiz Jr, only to claim victory in their rematch six months later.
Opinions on Joshua’s future are divided among pundits and former fighters. Some, like Carl Froch, suggest he should consider retirement.
However, AJ’s promoter Eddie Hearn remains confident that the Watford-born slugger still has plenty left to give in the sport.
In an interview with iFL TV, promoter Hearn discussed Joshua’s future fight prospects.
He said: “If [Tyson] Fury was to lose maybe they [AJ and Fury] both say ‘Right, let’s give the public one last hurrah, two big fights, done’.
“Or, if Fury wins, he could defend against AJ for the unified world heavyweight title and AJ could beat him and become a three-time heavyweight champion.
“Anything’s possible. Or we could rematch Daniel Dubois. Or [he] could fight someone else. Deontay Wilder.
“I dunno, it’s not something that’s been discussed yet but two guys coming off defeats, big punchers, someone’s got to go from the sport.
“But for me the options are rematch Daniel Dubois or wait and see what happens in Fury against Usyk.”
