Anthony Joshua's decision to avoid an immediate rematch with Daniel Dubois has raised eyebrows in the boxing world. The former heavyweight champion's loss to Dubois in September 2025 was a crushing blow, and his next move could define the legacy of one of the sport's most decorated athletes.

A Defining Moment in Joshua's Career

The Aftermath of a Devastating Defeat

The loss to Dubois was a humbling experience for Joshua, who had previously enjoyed a dominant run at the top of the heavyweight division. The fifth-round knockout was a conclusive defeat, and Joshua's pride was undoubtedly wounded. However, as former European middleweight champion Matthew Macklin points out, the immediate rematch may not have been the best course of action.Macklin suggests that once the dust had settled, the rematch was unlikely to happen. The first fight was a decisive loss for Joshua, and at 34 years of age, the former champion faces a significant challenge in bouncing back from such a defeat. Macklin notes that Joshua's confidence was at an all-time high heading into the first Dubois fight, but the loss will have left him with "all sorts of doubts and insecurities."

Weighing the Options: Retirement or Redemption?

With Joshua stepping aside from the immediate rematch, the focus now shifts to his next move. Macklin believes that Joshua's retirement would not come as a surprise, given the magnitude of the loss and the potential impact on his career. The former champion has enjoyed an illustrious career, and Macklin suggests that the Tyson Fury fight could still happen if Joshua were to defeat Oleksandr Usyk. However, Macklin is unsure about Joshua's "appetite for boxing" at this point, indicating that the former champion may choose to walk away from the sport.On the other hand, a potential matchup between Dubois and Joseph Parker has emerged as a compelling option. Macklin believes that the "Parker 2.0" version is better than the world champion version that Joshua defeated in 2017. Parker has enjoyed a resurgence in his career, with impressive wins over Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang, and Macklin believes he poses a significant challenge for the in-form Dubois.

A Crossroads Moment for Joshua

Joshua's decision to avoid the immediate rematch with Dubois is a pivotal moment in his career. The former champion must now carefully consider his next steps, whether it's a pursuit of redemption or a graceful exit from the sport. The outcome of this decision could have a lasting impact on Joshua's legacy and the future of the heavyweight division.As Macklin aptly states, "When the dust settles, he has time to reflect and thinks about his next move, it wouldn't shock me at all if AJ doesn't box again and retires. And what a career he would have had." The boxing world eagerly awaits Joshua's decision, as the former champion stands at a crossroads, with the potential for either a triumphant comeback or a bittersweet farewell.