Anthony Joshua says he wants to continue fighting despite his brutal fifth-round knockout by Daniel Dubois who retained his IBF world heavyweight title in an all-British spectacular at Wembley on Saturday.
For Dubois, it was the charm, having scored knockdowns in the first, third and fourth rounds. Before the fifth-round KO, Joshua was able to respond, but his overall shakiness throughout led to speculation that Saturday’s fight could be his last. On the surface, it seemed logical for Joshua, who turns 35 on Oct. 15.
He sounded upbeat following his 33rd career bout, though, quickly dismissing any talk of retirement.
“You’re probably asking if I still want to continue fighting,” Joshua told reporters via Queensberry Promotions.
“Of course, I want to continue fighting. That’s what I am. I’m a warrior.” Joshua had won four consecutive fights since dropping the WBA (IBF, WBO, IBO) crown to Oleksandrander Usyk in August 2022. After Saturday’s loss, he gave Dubois his flowers.
“When I sign up for opponents, I don’t really like them anymore,” Joshua said. “But now it’s done, I take my hat off to him and his team.”
