Matthew McClean says Anthony Joshua’s choice to keep away from a right away rematch with Daniel Dubois is not any shock and he could not battle once more.
Dubois defended his IBF world title in devastating vogue with a stunning fifth-round knockout of Joshua at Wembley Stadium in September.
Joshua has chosen to not instantly rematch Dubois in February 2025 because the date doesn’t match into his plans for subsequent 12 months as he appears to be like to bounce again from a heavy defeat.
Former European middleweight champion McLean was not stunned by the choice, saying sky sports activities: “I simply don’t see a right away rematch occurring.
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Tyson Fury, Conor McGregor, Alexander Usyk and extra give their ideas on Daniel Dubois’ knockout of Anthony Joshua
“I perceive that as a result of for Joshua, his ego was harm and when your ego is harm you simply need to get again on the market and rectify the state of affairs.
“However I at all times thought that when the mud settled, this battle would not have occurred. The results of the primary recreation could not have been higher, it was a defeat, a foul knockout.
“Given the place Joshua is at in his profession, a loss like that is going to take a very long time to get well from. At 34, you do not get higher, it is all downhill from right here.”
“Joshua’s confidence could not be larger as he returns to Dubois for his first battle after two wins below a brand new coach, however now heading into the bubble he could have all types of challenges. All doubts and insecurities.
“AJ retiring would not shock me”
Two-time world champion Joshua has had a stellar profession within the boxing ring however faces a defining interval in planning his subsequent transfer.
McLean says Joshua will take into account his future within the sport
Joshua’s choice on who to battle subsequent might both reignite his pursuit of a three-time world title or finish a decade of success at heavyweight.
“Personally, I believe that is the case for Joshua anyway,” added Sky Sports activities pundit Macklin.
“When the mud settles and he has had time to mirror and take into consideration his subsequent transfer, I would not be shocked in any respect if AJ by no means boxed once more and retired. What a terrific profession he would have had.”
“If Tyson Fury beats Alexander Usyk, his battle might nonetheless occur. It is nonetheless a critical battle, however I simply do not know what A.J.’s curiosity in boxing is in the intervening time, it is exhausting to say.”
“Parker 2.0 is best than the world championship model”
With Joshua stepping down, WBO interim champion Joseph Parker is the frontrunner to problem Dubois for the subsequent IBF title protection.
The New Zealander has loved a renaissance since his stoppage loss to Joe Joyce in September 2022, propelling himself again into world title rivalry with spectacular wins over Deontay Wilder and Zhang Zhilei center.
“It should be a terrific matchup,” McLean continued. “Parker is a kind of boxers who has stayed lively, going via harmful battle after harmful battle. He’s in the perfect form of his profession after wins over Wilder and Zhang.
“I believe this Joseph Parker is best than the world champion that AJ beat in 2017.
“He was world champion on the time and undefeated, however at this time’s Joseph Parker is extra skilled, he has numerous expertise and he has a terrific relationship with the brand new coach Andy Lee. They’re transferring ahead collectively, which is the perfect ever. The perfect Joseph Parker has ever been.
“It should be a really robust battle for Dubois, however Dubois can be in the perfect form of his profession.
“In the event you take a look at his final three wins – Filip Hrgovic, Jarrell Miller and A.J. – he is on the prime of his profession and his confidence and type have by no means been higher. It is Was a very good battle with Parker.
Watch Chris Billam-Smith tackle Gilberto Ramirez for the WBO and WBA light-weight world championships reside on Sky Sports activities from 5pm on Saturday.
