Matthew Macklin has expressed his belief that it may be time for Anthony Joshua to retire following his recent shocking defeat to Daniel Dubois. Joshua, who was hoping to secure the IBF world heavyweight title, instead faced a crushing loss after being knocked out in the fifth round by Dubois.
Macklin, speaking to Sky Sports News, highlighted Joshua’s age of 34 and his significant achievements in his career. He questioned what more Joshua has left to prove in the sport, considering the risks and potential losses that come with continuing to fight. Macklin emphasized that boxing is a brutal and dangerous sport, unlike football where players can transition to different roles or lower divisions as they age.
Reflecting on Joshua’s defeat, Macklin noted that Joshua seemed to struggle to recover from the first knockdown and appeared concussed from early on in the fight. He stressed the importance of considering health factors in deciding on retirement in a sport as unforgiving as boxing.
While Joshua has indicated that his boxing journey is not yet over, Macklin suggested that a break from the sport followed by a retirement announcement could be a more fitting end to Joshua’s illustrious career. He commended Joshua’s achievements, including winning a gold medal in the 2012 Olympics, and emphasized the need to celebrate his legacy rather than mourn the end of his career.
Looking ahead, Joshua is considering a potential rematch with Dubois and a future showdown with Tyson Fury. Macklin acknowledged the possibility of Joshua defeating Dubois in a rematch but noted the increased challenge that would come with facing a confident Dubois. He likened Dubois’ victory to a changing of the guard moment in boxing, where a new generation of fighters emerges to challenge the established champions.
As the boxing world speculates on Joshua’s next moves and potential retirement, the sport continues to evolve with new talents like Dubois making their mark on the heavyweight division. The dynamics of boxing, with its inherent risks and rewards, highlight the importance of thoughtful decision-making when it comes to a fighter’s career trajectory. Joshua’s legacy in the sport remains significant, regardless of the outcome of his future fights.
