Anthony Joshua has been told his career is finished, with a final swansong fight suggested after his devastating defeat to Daniel Dubois.
Joshua took on Dubois in front of a record 98,000 fans at Wembley and looked to reclaim the IBF heavyweight title.s
But he ended up suffering a brutal loss at the hands of Dubois, who put him on the canvas four times en route to a stunning fifth-round knockout win.
It was a fourth career defeat for former world heavyweight king ‘AJ’ and immediately many wondered whether it was time for him to hang up his gloves.
He quickly denied any talk of calling it a day in his post-match press conference, though legendary promoter Bob Arum thinks he is on his way out.
In fact, Arum believes he should finally fight former WBC champion Deontay Wilder – who is coming off back-to-back losses to Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang.
“No, you don’t have an off night getting the s*** kicked out of you that way,” he told FightHub.
“I just think AJ has been through a lot of wars. And I think it’s over for him as well as over for Wilder.
“Maybe they can fight each other, that’d be good.”
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A tear-up between Wilder and Joshua has long been mooted but never materialised.
The timing could now be perfect given the predicament both men find themselves in.
However, Joshua’s long-time promoter Eddie Hearn already has different plans.
Hearn claims there is the option to rematch Dubois, with all parties, including Turki Alalshikh, in favour of a second bout.
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Joshua will not return immediately though, with a February date targeted.
He told talkSPORT: “We have a fight with Riyadh Season. One of our options is to fight Daniel Dubois again, and our contract is with them.
“His Excellency [Turki Alalshikh] will deal with Frank and Daniel and make that fight happen. The terms will have to be agreed with them.
“We have already agreed our terms, we have the option to rematch with Dubois.
“Our meetings with His Excellency, he wants the rematch. AJ will always want the rematch.
“Daniel wants the rematch too it’s the biggest fight for him and they will fancy it.”