Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk has offered his analysis of Anthony Joshua’s latest setback following his surprising defeat to Daniel Dubois on Saturday night. The fight, which took place at Wembley Stadium in front of 96,000 fans, saw Dubois defend his IBF heavyweight title with a stunning fifth-round knockout that left Joshua on the canvas, marking his fourth professional defeat.
Dubois entered the fight with confidence and determination, and his performance proved too much for Joshua to handle. The win not only solidified Dubois’ standing as a top contender in the heavyweight division but also raised questions about Joshua’s future as a top-level fighter. The loss has intensified scrutiny of Joshua’s approach in the ring, and Usyk, who has beaten Joshua twice in the past, believes he has identified a key issue that contributed to Joshua’s downfall.
Speaking after the fight, Usyk was not surprised by Dubois’ victory, emphasizing that anything can happen in boxing, where even the most unexpected outcomes can occur. “Not shocked [that Dubois defeated Joshua] because it’s boxing. Daniel Dubois today was better,” Usyk told Metro UK.
The Ukrainian heavyweight went on to pinpoint a critical problem in Joshua’s footwork, which he believes played a major role in the defeat. According to Usyk, Joshua’s poor movement and incorrect positioning in the ring made him vulnerable to Dubois’ attacks. Usyk highlighted that Joshua’s tendency to lean back instead of moving his feet properly put him in a dangerous position, leaving him open to the power punches that ultimately led to his defeat.
“Anthony had one problem because this position [leaning back] is dangerous – if you want to step back, do it like this [by moving your feet], not like this [leaning], this is dangerous,” Usyk explained.
Usyk’s critique sheds light on a long-standing issue that has been observed in Joshua’s fighting style. Despite being a powerful and skilled boxer, Joshua has been criticized in the past for relying too heavily on his size and strength, sometimes neglecting the fundamentals of movement and positioning. This flaw became apparent during his losses to Usyk, and it seems to have resurfaced in his defeat to Dubois.
The loss to Dubois has sparked widespread discussion about what lies ahead for Joshua, who once reigned as a dominant force in the heavyweight division. With four defeats now on his record, Joshua’s path to reclaiming a world title has become more uncertain. While he remains one of the most popular and marketable fighters in the sport, his recent performances have raised doubts about whether he can return to the pinnacle of the division.
For Dubois, the victory represents a major milestone in his career. At just 27 years old, Dubois has firmly established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the heavyweight division. His knockout of Joshua in front of a packed Wembley Stadium was a defining moment, and it has undoubtedly boosted his confidence as he continues to pursue his goal of becoming the undisputed heavyweight champion.
Dubois’ win has also opened the door to potential future matchups with other top fighters in the division. With his stock rising, there is no shortage of exciting possibilities for Dubois, including potential fights against Oleksandr Usyk, Tyson Fury, or Deontay Wilder. A bout with any of these fighters would not only test Dubois’ abilities but also provide him with an opportunity to further cement his status as one of the best in the world.
As for Joshua, the road ahead is less clear. While he has achieved tremendous success in his career, including winning multiple world titles, his recent struggles have cast a shadow over his legacy. The defeat to Dubois has raised questions about whether Joshua can still compete at the highest level, or if his time at the top is coming to an end.
Despite the setback, Joshua has shown resilience in the past, bouncing back from losses to fighters like Andy Ruiz Jr. and Usyk. However, his performance against Dubois suggests that there are still areas of his game that need improvement if he is to reclaim his place among the elite of the heavyweight division.
For now, both Dubois and Joshua will be reflecting on their performances as they plan their next moves. Dubois will be looking to build on his success and continue his ascent in the division, while Joshua will need to regroup and assess how he can overcome the issues that have plagued him in recent fights.
In the aftermath of the fight, Usyk’s analysis serves as a reminder that even the most accomplished fighters have flaws that can be exploited. Joshua’s footwork and positioning may have been his undoing against Dubois, but with the right adjustments, there is still hope that he can return to his best form. Whether he can make those changes remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the heavyweight division is as competitive as ever, and there will be no shortage of challenges for both Joshua and Dubois in the future.
