Anthony Joshua and the Unexpected Replacement
Anthony Joshua was reportedly not considered as a late replacement option for Daniel Dubois in the highly-anticipated world title fight against Joseph Parker. The news of Dubois pulling out of the fight due to illness broke late on Thursday, sending promoter Frank Warren on a frantic mission to find a suitable replacement. Dubois had been examined by a doctor in Riyadh after reporting himself unwell, just hours before the final press conference for the event. Despite being in the Saudi Arabian capital, where the IBF world champion’s clash against Parker was set to take place, Joshua was not a viable option to step in, according to Boxing Kingdom.
A Stunning Turn of Events
The sudden withdrawal of Dubois from the fight was a significant blow to the boxing community and the fans who had been eagerly awaiting the bout. Just a day earlier, the 27-year-old had confidently declared himself "absolutely" ready to face New Zealand’s former world champion, Joseph Parker. However, the doctor’s assessment on Thursday forced him to step aside, leading to the announcement of Congolese boxer Martin Bakole as his replacement. Bakole, a formidable opponent in his own right, will now face Parker in the ring on Saturday night. This dramatic change of events has added a new layer of unpredictability to an already highly-anticipated fight.
Joshua’s Career Crossroads
The decision not to consider Anthony Joshua as a replacement for Dubois is noteworthy, especially given his current location in Riyadh. The 35-year-old former world champion has not been in the ring since his comprehensive loss to Dubois last September. The fight at Wembley Stadium, which drew a massive crowd of 96,000 fans, saw Joshua being knocked out in five rounds after being dropped multiple times. In the months following this defeat, there has been much speculation about Joshua’s future in boxing. Promoter Eddie Hearn has been vocal about his plans for Joshua, suggesting that he will likely contest "two fights, three fights max" before retiring.
Future Plans and Ambitions
Hearn’s comments reveal a clear strategy for Joshua’s remaining career. "The plan and the goal for Anthony Joshua, always, from now to the moment he retires, is to try and win the world heavyweight championship," Hearn told talkSPORT. "To try and become a three-time world heavyweight champion." Joshua’s primary objective is to secure another shot at a world title, particularly against the winner of the Parker vs. Dubois fight. Hearn also mentioned that Joshua is keen on facing Tyson Fury, but if that fight is not available, he is eager to take on the victor of the Dubois/Parker bout. This underscores Joshua’s determination to reclaim his status as a dominant force in the heavyweight division.
Training and Preparation
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his next fight, Joshua has been actively preparing for his return to the ring. This week, he shared two videos on Instagram, giving fans a glimpse into his rigorous training regimen. The first video shows Joshua in topless form, engaging in shadow boxing on a beach. Later in the evening, he was seen shadow boxing again, this time near a gazebo. These training segments demonstrate Joshua’s commitment to regaining his form and readiness to face any challenges that come his way. His renewed focus and determination are evident in his choice to stay in top physical condition.
A Wait for Redemption
The fight between Parker and Bakole has now taken on a new significance, as the winner will have the opportunity to face Oleksandr Usyk in a heavyweight unification clash later this year. For Joshua, the path to redemption and another world title shot remains unclear. He must wait for the outcome of the Parker vs. Bakole fight and see if he can secure a place in the heavyweight title race. Despite the setback with Dubois, Joshua’s resolve to return to the top of the heavyweight division remains unwavering. As he continues to train and prepare, fans and the boxing world will be watching closely to see what the future holds for one of the sport’s most prominent figures.
