Anthony Joshua has been issued a 28-day medical suspension following his brutal knockout loss to fellow British boxer Daniel Dubois last week.
The fight, which took place in front of a packed crowd of 96,000 fans at Wembley Stadium, saw Joshua floored by Dubois in the fifth round.
The victory allowed Dubois to retain his IBF heavyweight title, with Joshua being knocked down four times during the bout.
Under British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) regulations, Joshua will not be allowed to step into the ring for 28 days to ensure his health and safety after the knockout.
This suspension is standard protocol for fighters who suffer knockouts, with the Association of Boxing Commissions and Combative Sports (ABC) enforcing medical suspensions to allow fighters time to recover properly after such defeats. The rule is designed to prioritize fighter safety, preventing any immediate return to action after a heavy loss.
Joshua’s team has not yet commented on his plans during the recovery period or on what the future holds for his boxing career. Meanwhile, Dubois’ victory has further cemented his status as one of the top heavyweights in the world.
The boxing world now awaits Joshua’s next steps, as fans speculate whether he will return to challenge for another title after the mandated recovery period.