Anthony Joshua’s rise to prominence in boxing was marked by numerous victories and accolades, but his career has also been punctuated by significant losses. Each of Joshua’s defeats offers insight into areas of his boxing style that were exploited by opponents, ultimately contributing to his setbacks. Here’s a detailed look at why he lost his major fights:
1. Anthony Joshua vs. Andy Ruiz Jr. (1st Fight, June 2019)
In June 2019, Joshua faced Andy Ruiz Jr. at Madison Square Garden in New York. This was meant to be a routine title defense for Joshua, but it became one of the biggest upsets in heavyweight boxing history.
Why Did Joshua Lose?
- Overconfidence and Underestimation of Ruiz: Many saw Ruiz as an underdog because of his physique and lack of prominence in the heavyweight division. However, Ruiz’s hand speed and durability were severely underestimated by Joshua and his team.
- Joshua’s Focus and Tactics: Joshua appeared confident going into the fight, possibly too confident. His jab, which usually sets up his combinations, was less effective against Ruiz. He got caught by a clean shot in the third round, which visibly shook his confidence.
- Ruiz’s Pressure: After getting knocked down himself, Ruiz fought back with relentless pressure. His speed, both in his hands and with his footwork, allowed him to close the distance and deliver punches that Joshua struggled to defend.
- Joshua’s Chin and Recovery: Joshua has faced criticism for his ability to recover after being hurt. After Ruiz landed a punch on Joshua’s temple, Joshua was knocked down four times in total and couldn’t recover.
Joshua lost by TKO in the seventh round, which shocked the boxing world and led to many questions about his vulnerability.
2. Anthony Joshua vs. Oleksandr Usyk (1st Fight, September 2021)
Joshua’s first fight against Oleksandr Usyk was another key loss. Usyk, the former undisputed cruiserweight champion, moved up to heavyweight and outclassed Joshua in a masterful performance.
Why Did Joshua Lose?
- Tactical Mistake: Joshua opted to box with Usyk rather than impose his size and power. Usyk is a technically gifted boxer with excellent footwork, angles, and ring IQ. Joshua attempted to outbox Usyk, which played into the Ukrainian’s strengths.
- Movement and Footwork: Usyk’s superior movement made it difficult for Joshua to land his power punches. Usyk was constantly changing angles and moving in and out of range, leaving Joshua unable to catch him cleanly.
- Joshua’s Adaptability: Joshua struggled to adapt mid-fight. Usyk’s rhythm was hard to break, and Joshua couldn’t make the necessary adjustments to change the tide of the fight. His corner advice was criticized for not providing a clear strategy to deal with Usyk’s unorthodox style.
- Mental Focus and Hesitation: Joshua appeared tentative at times, as if unsure whether to commit fully to attacking Usyk or to remain cautious. This hesitation allowed Usyk to build momentum, especially in the later rounds.
Joshua lost by unanimous decision, with Usyk claiming the WBA, IBF, WBO, and IBO titles.
3. Anthony Joshua vs. Oleksandr Usyk (2nd Fight, August 2022)
The highly anticipated rematch between Joshua and Usyk took place in August 2022, but the result was the same, with Usyk winning again, though this time by split decision.
Why Did Joshua Lose Again?
- Improved Performance, But Not Enough: Joshua fought more aggressively in this bout, attempting to impose his size and physicality more than in the first fight. However, Usyk’s boxing skills once again proved superior.
- Mental Pressure and Emotions: After the fight, Joshua’s emotional outburst hinted at the mental toll that the pressure of regaining his titles had on him. Despite fighting better than in the first fight, Joshua couldn’t find the right formula to decisively beat Usyk.
- Usyk’s Adaptability: Usyk once again adapted to Joshua’s strategy, using his footwork and boxing acumen to avoid danger and land scoring punches throughout the fight.
- Joshua’s Strategy Execution: While Joshua had a clearer strategy than in the first fight, he was still unable to execute it consistently over the 12 rounds. Usyk’s endurance and resilience in the face of Joshua’s power shots ensured he remained in control.
Joshua’s losses to Ruiz and Usyk revealed gaps in his ability to adapt to different styles, as well as limitations in his defensive techniques and recovery when hurt.
Lessons from the Losses:
- Vulnerability to Pressure Fighters: Fighters like Ruiz exposed Joshua’s struggles when pressured. Joshua’s size and physique work well when he controls the pace, but when forced to fight on the back foot, his defense and counterpunching were less effective.
- Tactical Mistakes: Against elite technicians like Usyk, Joshua’s decision to try and outbox them rather than use his natural size and power played into his opponents’ hands. His tendency to box cautiously in some fights has led to missed opportunities to capitalize on his strengths.
- Chin and Recovery: Questions around Joshua’s chin have persisted, particularly after his losses to Ruiz and Klitschko (despite winning the latter). While he has a powerful punch, his ability to absorb heavy shots and recover quickly remains a topic of debate.
- Mental Pressure: After each loss, Joshua has displayed emotional vulnerability. His outburst after the second Usyk fight suggests that the weight of expectations—both from himself and the public—may have had a significant impact on his performance.
- Anthony Joshua’s recent fight against Daniel Dubois on September 21, 2024, resulted in a significant upset, as Dubois defeated Joshua in a stunning fifth-round knockout. This marked a pivotal moment in Joshua’s career, continuing a series of challenges he has faced in recent years.
- Throughout the bout, Dubois showcased his power and precision, out-landing Joshua with heavy punches and knockdowns across multiple rounds. By the end of the fourth round, Joshua appeared worn out, having been knocked down three times. Dubois sealed the win in the fifth round with a powerful counterpunch that ended the contest. This defeat added to Joshua’s losses, following his previous setbacks against Andy Ruiz Jr., Oleksandr Usyk, and now Dubois.
- Dubois, a rising heavyweight, previously had a controversial fight with Usyk but managed to prove his mettle by defeating Joshua. The loss raises questions about Joshua’s future in the heavyweight division, with many speculating whether he will continue fighting or consider retirement. Despite the defeat, Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, indicated that Joshua might seek a rematch.
- The fight exposed some of the long-standing vulnerabilities in Joshua’s career, such as his struggles against heavy-handed opponents and high-pressure situations. While he has shown resilience in the past by bouncing back from defeats, the road ahead for Joshua remains uncertain(
- Boxing News and Views)(
- The Ring TV).
Anthony Joshua’s recent loss to Daniel Dubois on September 21, 2024, raised numerous questions about his standing in the heavyweight division and exposed key weaknesses that had plagued his career over the years. An analysis of the fight provides insight into why Joshua struggled and what contributed to his defeat.
1. Dubois’ Power and Precision
Dubois showcased his superior power and precision throughout the fight. His heavy punches repeatedly landed on Joshua, leading to three knockdowns by the end of the fourth round. While Joshua is known for his physical prowess, Dubois’ ability to out-land him with precise counterpunches indicated that Joshua was unable to adapt to Dubois’ aggression. This has been a recurring theme in Joshua’s fights against heavy hitters like Andy Ruiz Jr. and Oleksandr Usyk. In those bouts, Joshua also struggled with opponents who pressured him with powerful combinations.
2. Joshua’s Fatigue
By the fourth round, Joshua appeared visibly worn out. Fatigue has been an issue for Joshua in previous fights, particularly when facing opponents who force him to fight at a higher tempo. His muscle-heavy physique, while advantageous for strength and knockout power, tends to lead to a lack of endurance during prolonged, intense exchanges. This was evident in his fight against Ruiz Jr., where he struggled to keep pace after being knocked down multiple times. Against Dubois, a similar pattern emerged, with Joshua unable to maintain his composure or counter Dubois’ attacks after multiple knockdowns.
3. Vulnerability to Heavy Pressure
Joshua’s vulnerability to pressure has been a recurring flaw in his fighting style. In this fight, as in previous ones, Joshua seemed uncomfortable when Dubois applied constant pressure, using his power to keep Joshua on the back foot. Joshua’s difficulty in dealing with aggressive, heavy-handed opponents has been noted since his first loss to Ruiz, and despite adjustments in his technique, this fight with Dubois demonstrated that the issue persists.
4. Dubois’ Momentum and Confidence
Dubois came into this fight with considerable momentum, having faced tough competition, including a controversial bout with Oleksandr Usyk. His confidence was evident, and his ability to perform under high stakes was a crucial factor in his victory. For Joshua, this fight marked another significant challenge in trying to regain the form that made him a heavyweight champion, but he was unable to rise to the occasion against a younger, hungrier fighter like Dubois.
5. Psychological Pressure
The psychological aspect of boxing cannot be understated, and Joshua has faced immense pressure since his earlier losses. This fight marked another test of his resilience, but the outcome suggests that Joshua may be grappling with the mental toll of past defeats. The expectation to reclaim his position at the top of the division might have weighed heavily on him, affecting his performance in high-pressure situations like this one.
6. Dubois’ Tactical Game Plan
Dubois executed a tactical game plan that played into Joshua’s weaknesses. He used controlled aggression and calculated power shots, knowing that Joshua’s defense tends to crumble when repeatedly pressured. Dubois’ counterpunch in the fifth round, which ultimately ended the fight, was a well-timed response to Joshua’s declining energy and lack of defensive sharpness.
7. Uncertainty About Joshua’s Future
This loss, coming after a series of defeats, raises questions about Joshua’s future in boxing. His promoter, Eddie Hearn, suggested the possibility of a rematch, but it remains uncertain whether Joshua can make the necessary adjustments to regain his former glory. Retirement may also be a consideration, as Joshua has now experienced several career-defining losses.
In summary, Joshua’s loss to Dubois was a result of several factors: Dubois’ superior power and precision, Joshua’s fatigue and vulnerability to pressure, and Dubois’ well-executed tactical plan. The fight underscores Joshua’s ongoing struggles against heavy-handed opponents and raises important questions about his future in the sport. Whether Joshua decides to seek a rematch or explore other options, the road ahead will be a defining moment in his career.
Conclusion:
Anthony Joshua’s losses can be attributed to a combination of tactical misjudgments, vulnerability to pressure, and mental strain. Each of his defeats has revealed specific weaknesses in his style, but he has also shown resilience by bouncing back, as he did against Ruiz in the rematch. How Joshua adjusts his strategy and mental approach moving forward will determine whether he can reclaim his place as one of the top heavyweights in the world.