In a shocking turn of events, former two-time heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua (AJ) has been handed a 28-day suspension by the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBoC). This comes in the wake of his humiliating knockout loss to fellow Briton Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium last Saturday. The short-term suspension is part of standard medical protocol following a knockout defeat, and it raises questions about AJ’s future in the ring.

The highly anticipated bout took place in front of a packed Wembley Stadium, where fans eagerly awaited Joshua’s potential comeback to glory. AJ had not held heavyweight gold since his 2021 defeat to Oleksandr Usyk, and this fight was seen as a chance for redemption. However, Dubois outmaneuvered the former champion, delivering a brutal knockout that floored Joshua and brought the fight to an abrupt end. This marked AJ’s fourth professional loss in his illustrious career, further denting his status as one of the heavyweight division’s top fighters.

The British Boxing Board of Control’s decision to issue a 28-day suspension follows standard guidelines set by the Association of Boxing Commissions and Combative Sports, which mandates medical suspensions for fighters who lose by knockout or technical knockout (TKO). The enforced suspension is designed to ensure fighter safety, allowing time for proper medical evaluation and recovery.

Fortunately for AJ, there are no scheduled bouts in the immediate future, which means this brief hiatus may not significantly impact his career timeline. However, the suspension adds another layer of uncertainty to Joshua’s trajectory in professional boxing.

AJ’s knockout loss and subsequent suspension have ignited debate within the boxing world. Some believe that Anthony Joshua still has the potential to return to his former glory, while others question his passion and drive to continue fighting.

Matchroom Boxing boss Eddie Hearn remains optimistic about Joshua’s future, asserting that AJ still has fight left in him. “There’s still a lot of potential in AJ. I believe he can come back stronger from this setback,” Hearn commented, reflecting the hope that Joshua will bounce back.

However, former world champion Carl Froch expressed a much more pessimistic view, casting doubt on Joshua’s desire to remain in the sport. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Froch criticized AJ’s performance against Dubois. “He lacked ambition, self-belief, and confidence. His powers of recovery were terrible. I question whether Anthony Joshua wants to be in the ring anymore,” Froch stated, suggesting that AJ’s time in boxing may be coming to an end.

Froch’s remarks have sparked discussion among fans and pundits alike, with some echoing his concerns about Joshua’s future. “What’s next for AJ? I don’t even know. This could be the last we see of him in the ring,” Froch added, underscoring the uncertainty surrounding the former Olympic gold medalist’s career.

The knockout loss to Daniel Dubois has left AJ’s career at a critical crossroads. While his 28-day suspension is temporary, the psychological impact of such a crushing defeat could be long-lasting. With four professional losses now under his belt, including two to Oleksandr Usyk, many are wondering whether Joshua still has the determination to fight at the highest level.

Some speculate that AJ could take time off to reassess his career and consider his options. Others believe that a potential retirement may be on the horizon if his desire to compete continues to wane. Regardless of what comes next, one thing is clear: Anthony Joshua’s future in boxing is more uncertain than ever.

Anthony Joshua’s recent knockout loss to Daniel Dubois, coupled with his 28-day suspension, marks a pivotal moment in his career. While some, like Eddie Hearn, believe that AJ still has what it takes to return to the top, others, including Carl Froch, question his motivation and future in the sport. As the boxing world waits to see what AJ’s next move will be, fans and pundits alike are left wondering whether this is the beginning of the end for one of the most celebrated heavyweights of his generation.