Boxing pundit Matthew Macklin believes that it may be time for former two-time world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua to retire following his surprising knockout loss to Daniel Dubois on Saturday. The 34-year-old Joshua, who was vying for the IBF world heavyweight title at Wembley Stadium, suffered a fifth-round defeat, marking the fourth loss of his career and sparking questions about his future in the sport.

Joshua was knocked down four times during the bout, including an early knockdown in the first round. Despite his efforts to regain momentum, Dubois dominated the fight, securing the victory with a knockout in the fifth round. Joshua had hoped to reclaim the heavyweight title for the third time, but this latest setback has led to concerns over whether he should continue his career in boxing.

Macklin, a former professional boxer and current boxing analyst, expressed doubts about Joshua’s future in the ring. “What’s he got to gain, when he has so much to lose?” Macklin said. He pointed out that while Joshua has already achieved significant success, continuing to fight could further damage his legacy and health. The defeat against Dubois, a younger and rising star in the heavyweight division, has raised concerns about Joshua’s ability to compete at the highest level moving forward.

With Tyson Fury set to face Oleksandr Usyk in a highly anticipated showdown in December, the heavyweight division remains full of competition. Some experts have speculated about potential future matchups, including Dubois possibly facing the winner of Fury vs. Usyk in 2025. However, for Joshua, the focus now shifts to whether he should continue in a sport that has seen him rise to fame but now presents increasing risks.

As Joshua reflects on his career and next steps, many fans and boxing experts are debating whether retirement is the best option for the British fighter. While Joshua’s achievements in boxing have been remarkable, his most recent loss highlights the dangers of continuing to fight when the odds of regaining championship form are uncertain.