Anthony Joshua releases message to declare third world title bid 'far from over yet' - 'Keep your seatbelts tightened'
Updated 23/09/2024 at 14:57 GMT+1
Anthony Joshua says he believes he can become a three-time heavyweight world champion and has vowed to continue as a professional boxer, despite a devastating defeat by fellow Brit Daniel Dubois inside five rounds at Wembley Stadium on Saturday. The 34-year-old was on the back foot from the start, but in a post on social media, he has told fans his journey is “far from over”.
Highlights: Dubois batters Joshua in heavyweight classic at Wembley
Video credit: TNT Sports
Anthony Joshua has vowed to continue his effort to become a three-time heavyweight world champion, telling fans his career is “far from over yet” despite defeat to Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium.
The 34-year-old was beaten in five rounds by his fellow British fighter, who retained the IBF title he had earned when Oleksandr Usyk vacated the belt to take a rematch with Tyson Fury on December 21.
The loss raised doubts about Joshua’s future in boxing, having been on the back foot from virtually the start of his contest with Dubois, but the 34-year-old is adamant he will not give up his ambition to join Muhammad Ali, Lennox Lewis and Evander Holyfield as the fourth man to win the heavyweight world title on three occasions.
“We came up short, but we’ve got to look at all the positives, that’s the mindset and the perspective that we have to have - a positive one, always,” he said in a video posted on Instagram.
“Look at what we’ve achieved in the space of 11 years, it’s phenomenal. I want to thank each and every one of you that’s been riding with me. What a rollercoaster journey.
“But you know what the problem is? It’s far from over yet. We’ve done it once [won the world title], we’ve done it twice, doing it a third time hasn’t been easy but I believe it’s something I can achieve.
“It’s about making the right steps forward, working hard, improving and it’s got to come from here (pointing to his heart) more than anything. It can’t come from any external voices or influence.
“It’s only been a day but when I sit back and I’m thinking, I know I’ve got a lot of this (beating his chest once again). Keep your seatbelts tightened because deep, deep down, I know we’ve got a lot more to bring.”
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'There's the dynamite!' – Dubois floors Joshua in 'incredible' opening round
Video credit: TNT Sports
Joshua could try and pursue a rematch with Dubois, with the 27-year-old’s promoter Frank Warren saying it is “something to be considered” and that “anything is on the table”.
A rematch with Oleksandr Usyk could also be a possibility for Dubois, but facing Tyson Fury is a trickier deal to arrange - with Warren working for both fighters.
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'Down he goes!' – Joshua 'absolutely flattened' by stunning Dubois knockout blow
Video credit: TNT Sports
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