Eddie Hearn, the influential boxing promoter, has suggested that the legendary British fighter Anthony Joshua may contemplate retirement from the sport in the next year, particularly in light of the postponement of his highly anticipated rematch with Daniel Dubois.
Joshua suffered a stunning defeat at the hands of Dubois back in September, where the rising star delivered an explosive knockout that sent shockwaves through the boxing community, raising questions about Joshua’s future in the ring.
Initially slated for a rematch in February, the showdown between Joshua and Dubois has now been delayed due to health concerns; Joshua is currently grappling with minor injuries that have necessitated medical advice against an immediate return to boxing.
In an interview with The Times, Hearn revealed, “This could be [Joshua’s] last year in the sport,” prompting speculation about the 35-year-old’s future as a professional athlete after a taxing and storied career.
When discussing the timing of the Dubois rematch, Hearn clarified to DAZN, “It could be the Dubois rematch, but it won’t be on February 22nd.” He added, “I think we have to see how December 21st unfolds (Usyk-Fury II) and then make a decision after that,” hinting at the potential implications of that matchup for Joshua’s career path.
Hearn anticipates that fans may see Joshua back in action as early as May or June, depending on the outcomes of key upcoming fights.
In an intriguing twist, Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk are scheduled to square off in their own rematch on December 21, adding to the competitive landscape Joshua finds himself in.
For years, discussions surrounding a battle between Joshua and Fury have captivated boxing fans, yet negotiations have repeatedly faltered, leaving much to be desired in terms of blockbuster showdowns. Hearn indicated that a rematch scenario remains within reach, stating, “It would be frustrating if we made the Dubois rematch and Fury won.” He elaborated, saying, “Then we’re sitting there going, ‘Hang on a minute, we’re fighting Dubois, but we could have fought Fury in May for the biggest fight in boxing.’
“Win or lose, we can fight Fury next summer. But if he wins, AJ fights him for the world title,” Hearn concluded, further intensifying the stakes for Joshua and his team.
Following his recent victory over Joshua, Dubois is riding high on a wave of confidence and has called out social media superstar Jake Paul after Paul’s electrifying win against Mike Tyson at the AT&T Stadium in Texas last weekend. Dubois commented, “We messaged him and decided let’s call him out. Even though it is publicity, you never know what can happen in this sport. It is strange times.”
In the ever-evolving world of boxing, the upcoming months are set to be crucial in shaping the legacies of Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois alike.
– What factors are influencing Anthony Joshua’s potential decision to retire from boxing?
**Interview with Eddie Hearn on Anthony Joshua’s Future**
*Interviewer:* Thank you for joining us, Eddie. Recently, you’ve suggested that Anthony Joshua might be considering retirement in the coming year. Can you elaborate on what led you to this conclusion?
*Eddie Hearn:* Absolutely, it’s been quite a rollercoaster for Anthony. After his knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in September, there has been a lot of speculation about his future. That fight was particularly tough for him, and the nature of the defeat—being dominated and ultimately knocked out—has clearly weighed heavily on him, both mentally and physically [[1](https://nesn.com/2024/09/anthony-joshuas-devastating-knockout-loss-to-daniel-dubois-warrants-retirement/)].
*Interviewer:* You mentioned that Joshua’s rematch with Dubois has been postponed. What are the specifics around that delay?
*Eddie Hearn:* Right, the rematch was initially set for February 22nd, but we’ve had to push it back. Anthony is dealing with some minor injuries, and medical professionals have advised him not to return to the ring just yet. It’s essential that he prioritizes his health before anything else [[1](https://nesn.com/2024/09/anthony-joshuas-devastating-knockout-loss-to-daniel-dubois-warrants-retirement/)].
*Interviewer:* In light of these injuries and the recent loss, do you think this might indeed be Joshua’s last year in boxing?
*Eddie Hearn:* It’s certainly a possibility. He’s been a warrior in the ring, but every athlete has to know when to step back. In my interview with *The Times*, I expressed that the upcoming year might be crucial for him. It’s about evaluating his health and where he stands in the sport. I want to support him in making the best decision for his future [[1](https://nesn.com/2024/09/anthony-joshuas-devastating-knockout-loss-to-daniel-dubois-warrants-retirement/)].
*Interviewer:* how does Anthony feel about the possibility of retirement? Has he shared any insights with you on his mindset?
*Eddie Hearn:* He’s reflective, as you can imagine. It’s a tough pill to swallow after such a celebrated and successful career. He still has the desire to compete, but he knows he needs to assess everything first. The fight game is brutal, and making the right choices is crucial for his health and legacy [[1](https://nesn.com/2024/09/anthony-joshuas-devastating-knockout-loss-to-daniel-dubois-warrants-retirement/)].
*Interviewer:* Thank you, Eddie. It’s been enlightening to hear your thoughts on Joshua’s situation.
*Eddie Hearn:* Thank you for having me. It’s an important conversation, and I hope by addressing it, we can help Anthony find the right path forward.