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Anthony Joshua promises to keep fighting despite devastating defeat against Daniel Dubois

Anthony Joshua vowed to keep fighting despite being knocked out in the fifth round by IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois at Wembley.

Joshua was knocked down four times as the great Dubois launched a relentless attack from the first bell, which ultimately ended with the clear favorite being counted out after a thrilling exchange of blows.

It was a devastating defeat and the fourth of his career, depriving him of the chance to become undisputed world champion.

But despite this one-sided, all-British clash that met all expectations, Joshua refused to give up.

“You're probably wondering if I still want to think about a fight. Of course I want to keep fighting,” said Joshua, who did not answer questions at the post-fight press conference.

“We tried to succeed and we failed. What does that mean now? That we run away? We will live to fight another day. And that's me – I'm a warrior.

“Always walk with your head held high. We rolled the dice for the third time. There were 13 world championship fights, not all of them were successful, but each one was fun and entertaining.

“There were a few mistakes, but that's the way the game is. Small deviations cost you money at the highest level.”

“Before I conclude, we have to give credit to our opponent Daniel. When I sign up for a fight against opponents, in my head I don't really like them anymore. But now that it's over, I take my hat off to him and say: well done.”

Joshua never fully recovered from being knocked down with a devastating overhand right by Dubois late in the first round, holding out for 10 before the bell immediately came to his aid.

Promoter Eddie Hearn advised Joshua to keep fighting and took confidence from the way he staggered Dubois with consecutive right hooks in an action-packed fifth round.

“Everyone is very fickle, aren't they? Yesterday he was in the form of his life, never looked better – wow, this new comeback is incredible,” Hearn said.

“He gets off to a bad start, gets dropped, tries to get back on his feet and just goes to war with no legs. And finds a way back into the fight and goes for one.

“It's heavyweight boxing and that was the danger of this fight. It was a thriller and we just had a feeling the tide was going to turn, but you have to give Daniel credit.”

Accused of giving up after his losses to Joe Joyce and Oleksandr Usyk, Dubois had to rebuild his skills, which led to this stunning victory.

Now he awaits the outcome of Usyk's rematch against Tyson Fury on December 21 as he plots his path to becoming the undisputed king of the heavyweights.

“Tonight was supposed to be my night, no matter what. Everyone said I was going to get knocked out, but we all saw who got knocked out,” Dubois said.

“I did my job and I'm happy that I proved everyone wrong. But this is just the beginning of my journey. I want my revenge fight (against Usyk) and to make amends for this injustice.

“The Lord had my back tonight and my family was with me. I could not be turned away.

“He could have thrown anything at me and I would have survived. It felt like a dream in the ring. I just had to seize the moment.”

Published: by Radio NewsHub

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