Zhilei Zhang has urged Anthony Joshua to retire following his knockout loss to Daniel Dubois, suggesting the British boxer should focus on investment.
Chinese heavyweight boxer Zhilei Zhang has advised Anthony Joshua to consider retiring from boxing following his devastating loss to Daniel Dubois in September.
Zhang, who recently made headlines with a brutal knockout of Deontay Wilder, described the British boxer’s performance as a clear sign that his career may be over.
Also read: Anthony Joshua banned from boxing following defeat to Daniel Dubois
Joshua’s ambitious bid to reclaim the world heavyweight title and become a three-time champion was shattered at Wembley Stadium when he was knocked down four times and eventually stopped in the fifth round by Dubois.
The defeat, witnessed by a crowd of 98,000 fans, has raised serious questions about Joshua’s future in the sport.
In an interview with DAZN, Zhang did not hold back in his assessment of Joshua’s career. “My personal humble opinion is that he is finished, and he should look into investment,” Zhang stated.
“He should look into retirement and get himself wrapped up with the business side of it. Whatever he wants to do, just go ahead and choose that route.”
Despite suggesting Joshua’s time in the ring may be over, Zhang expressed a keen interest in facing the former world champion in the future.
“With everything being said, of course, I do want to fight him, but I don’t think he wants to fight me. I don’t think Eddie Hearn will put him anywhere near me,” Zhang added, referring to Joshua’s long-time promoter.
Zhang’s comments echo those of former undisputed heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis, who also weighed in on Joshua’s career.
Lewis advised Joshua to take a break from boxing following the loss, suggesting that the Brit should “rest for a minute” before considering a return.
“No, I don’t think he should take the rematch. I think he should take a rest for a minute and then come back,” Lewis said in an interview with Box Nation.
For many boxing fans and experts, Joshua’s peak performance came in 2017 when he defeated Wladimir Klitschko in a thrilling contest that solidified his place among the sport’s elite.
However, after his second consecutive loss to Oleksandr Usyk in 2022 and now the crushing defeat to Dubois, questions remain about Joshua’s ability to reclaim his former glory.
As Joshua contemplates his next move, Zhang’s blunt advice and the echoes of Lennox Lewis’ sentiments highlight the growing debate about the former champion’s future in the sport.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
