Anthony Joshua has been advised to part ways with his trainer, Ben Davison, after his shocking knockout defeat to Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium. The loss has sparked discussions about the need for a new training approach and strategy to help Joshua regain his competitive edge in the heavyweight division. This advice highlights concerns about his recent performances and the direction of his career.
The call for Anthony Joshua to part ways with trainer Ben Davison comes from former world champion Roy Jones Jr., who argues that Davison’s lack of in-ring experience may have played a role in Joshua’s recent knockout defeat to Daniel Dubois. Joshua, once a standout figure in British boxing, was knocked out in the fifth round after being floored multiple times in front of 98,000 fans at Wembley, leaving his career in jeopardy.
In an interview with talkSPORT, Jones Jr. emphasized the importance of having trainers with extensive boxing knowledge and experience, stating, “It takes real boxing knowledge and IQ and people who have been there.” His comments reflect growing concerns about Joshua’s direction and the effectiveness of his current training team.
Roy Jones Jr. emphasized the need for a trainer who has navigated tough situations in the ring, stating, “You have to have somebody who knows how to travel those seas when things get tough.” He pointed out that Ben Davison’s limited fighting experience might hinder his ability to coach at the highest level, arguing that it’s difficult to effectively guide a fighter without having been in similar circumstances himself.
In contrast, Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, defended Davison, asserting that the defeat was largely due to Joshua’s choices during the fight. Hearn noted that Joshua acted against Davison’s instructions, making critical errors like pulling back in a straight line and exposing himself.
The loss to Dubois marks Joshua’s fourth career defeat, raising significant concerns about his future in boxing. Legendary promoter Bob Arum even suggested that Joshua’s career could be in jeopardy, adding to the urgency of the situation.
Bob Arum expressed skepticism about Anthony Joshua’s future in boxing, stating, “No, you don’t have an off night getting the s*** kicked out of you that way,” and suggested that both Joshua and Deontay Wilder might be nearing the end of their careers. He did, however, propose a potential matchup between the two.
The defeat has had significant repercussions for Joshua, who plummeted six places in the WBO rankings, dropping from the top spot to seventh. This shift highlights the changing dynamics in the heavyweight division following the fight at Wembley.
Despite the setback, Joshua remains optimistic about his future. In a message to fans, he emphasized the importance of making the right moves moving forward, expressing confidence that he still has much to contribute to British boxing.
Eddie Hearn hinted at a possible rematch with Dubois, noting that Joshua is still contracted for another fight with Saudi boxing promoter Turki Alalshikh, which could offer him a chance to redeem himself and silence his critics.
