After Shocking Defeat, Anthony Joshua Faces Pressure to Dismiss Trainer and Reclaim His Legacy
Following his stunning knockout loss to Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium, Anthony Joshua has been advised to sever ties with his trainer, Ben Davison. This recommendation comes from former world champion Roy Jones Jr., who suggests that Davison’s lack of personal fighting experience may have played a role in Joshua’s defeat.
Once a leading figure in British boxing, Joshua faced a crushing setback as he was knocked down multiple times by the 27-year-old Dubois, ultimately succumbing in the fifth round in front of a crowd of 98,000. The defeat has left Joshua’s career prospects uncertain.
In an interview with talkSPORT, Jones Jr. criticized Davison’s influence, stating, “It takes real boxing knowledge and IQ and people who have been there. You need someone who knows how to navigate tough situations in the ring.”
Jones Jr. emphasized that Davison’s limited experience as a fighter puts him at a disadvantage in coaching Joshua at such a high level. “I don’t think Ben has had many fights himself. He’s done a lot of coaching, but if you haven’t been in the ring, it’s hard to guide someone effectively,” he remarked.
Contrary to Jones Jr.’s viewpoint, Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, staunchly defended Davison. In a conversation with Boxing Scene, Hearn pointed out that Joshua failed to follow Davison’s guidance during the match. “AJ did things Ben didn’t advise. He pulled back with his chin exposed and made mistakes that were his alone,” Hearn stated.
This latest defeat marks Joshua’s fourth loss in his career, causing a stir in the boxing community. Prominent promoter Bob Arum even suggested that this might signal the end of Joshua’s career. “You don’t just have an off night like that,” Arum told FightHub. “AJ has been through too much; I think it’s over for him.”
The repercussions of the loss are evident, as Joshua has dropped six places in the WBO rankings, falling from first to seventh, illustrating the shifting dynamics in the heavyweight division post-fight.
Despite the challenges, Joshua remains optimistic about his future. In a message to fans, he declared, “It’s about making the right steps forward. I know there’s more to come from me. British Boxing, let’s rise together.”
Hearn hinted at a possible rematch with Dubois, noting that Joshua still has a contract for one more fight with Saudi Arabia’s Turki Alalshikh. This could provide Joshua with a chance to redeem himself and quiet his critics.
