Joshua Told To Retire – ‘He’s Got Half A Billion In The Bank’

Anthony Joshua has been told to retire from the sport of boxing.
The talk of Joshua’s retirement came following his last performance against Daniel Dubois. Joshua was dropped four times on his way to a fifth-round stoppage defeat. The loss meant he missed out on becoming a three-time heavyweight world champion and picking up the IBF Heavyweight Title. The belt would have put him in a position for an undisputed fight against the winner of Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, who have their rematch on December 21. In his post-fight comments, Joshua said he would not retire as speculation emerges over his next opponent.
He could take the Dubois rematch immediately. Following defeats against Andy Ruiz Jr. and Usyk, Joshua took those fights immediately. While he defeated Ruiz, he came up short against Usyk, who was the biggest name on his resume. Dubois could pose a similar obstacle as another defeat will increase the narrative on Joshua to call it a day. This is particularly true since he has earned over $200 million in the sport, meaning he has no pressure to fight.
Joshua’s Future
He is also a former Unified Heavyweight Champion on two occasions. While there are still mega fights against Tyson Fury and a potential third Usyk fight, there is a feeling that Joshua has reached his peak. He is no longer the same fighter who once dominated the sport, with suggestions that his mindset changed after Ruiz Jr. knocked him out at Madison Square Garden on his American debut. The longer that Joshua continues to fight, the more risk he encounters in suffering too much damage.
“I want him to retire. I’ve been honest. I’m not going to change my tune on it. Not because I don’t think AJ can compete with the other heavyweights. You can put AJ in there, but I just feel what’s the want. If Joshua were to fight Dubois again next and get knocked out, he might consider retirement. However, given that the rematch isn’t happening next, there’s no chance that Joshua will hang up his gloves.
“If it’s not going to be the Dubois rematch. If Fury beats Usyk, does AJ fight Fury? I don’t know. The Fury fight is so big financially. I can understand why they want it. But for me, as an AJ friend, I’d like to see him walk off into the sunset with all faculties [intact]. What has he got, half a billion in the bank? It’s not a bad run,” Ade Oladipo said
What’s Next?
However, it is important to bear in mind the following: Joshua has shown previously that he can bounce back. While he worked himself into a title position by not fighting the biggest names, he showed that he could rebuild himself to get another title opportunity. Before Dubois knocked out Joshua, he did push the Brit on the back foot with numerous right hands. This is something that could encourage him in a potential rematch if he tightens up on other parts of his game.
But Joshua has to ask what is the motivation for fighting. If it is no longer to become a world champion or chase that undisputed title, money may not be enough for him to continue. He has earned more than what most boxers make. Joshua also has plenty of opportunities outside the ring, having established business ventures that would enable him to have a seamless transition outside of the sport. Either way, Joshua must consider his next steps carefully, as boxing is a sport where one punch can change a career permanently.
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