Eddie Hearn, the boxing promoter of Anthony Joshua, said the Nigerian-born British heavyweight boxer “is hurting” over his humiliating defeat against Daniel Dubois.
The fight, which took place in September in front of a packed crowd at Wembley Stadium, saw Anthony Joshua knocked out in a shocking fifth round, marking a significant low point in his career.
This loss not only represented the fourth defeat in Joshua’s professional boxing journey, but it was also the most impactful. Throughout the match, Dubois showcased his strength and skill by knocking Joshua down four times before securing the stoppage, leaving the two-time unified heavyweight champion visibly shaken and emotionally bruised.
In the aftermath of the bout, calls from various corners of the boxing world surged, urging Anthony Joshua to consider retirement immediately due to the severity of the loss.
However, just a few days later, Joshua addressed his fans and reaffirmed his commitment to the sport, stating his intention to continue competing despite the setback.
Hearn was adamant during the talkSPORT interview that considerations of retirement were never on the table for Joshua. When asked if his fighter had contemplated hanging up his gloves after such a significant defeat, Hearn emphatically stated, “No, never, never.”
He elaborated that Joshua is feeling physically well and is looking good in training, which suggests he still possesses the capability and desire to fight again.
More importantly, Hearn highlighted that after experiencing a loss like this, Joshua’s focus shifts away from the question of retirement to a more pressing concern: “How do we look when we come back?”
Nonetheless, Hearn acknowledged that Joshua is indeed grappling with his own inner turmoil following the fight. “Yeah, he is hurting. He took a pasting at times in that fight,” Hearn admitted, noting that the boxer feels the weight of the defeat and is fueled by a desire to return stronger than ever.
He further explained the psychological challenges of boxing, emphasizing that the sport’s most compelling aspect is the isolation a fighter experiences in the ring.
“There’s a sense of humility and humiliation when you are scrambling on the floor, trying desperately to get up time and time again,” Hearn noted.