Anthony Joshua’s career was left hanging in the balance after he was knocked out by Daniel Dubois.
Former two-time champion Joshua was dropped in the first and third rounds but beat the count on both occasions. But he hit the canvas face-first in the fifth session and was unable to continue as Dubois celebrated defending his world title in front of 96,000 fans at Wembley.
Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn had predicted Dubois might be quick out of the gate and he lived up to that expectation, landing his jab in the opening stages and forcing Joshua back on to the ropes.
Joshua took his time to warm up but did land a right hand before Dubois was admonished for a second time for using his head. But Dubois dropped Joshua with seconds of the round remaining.
Joshua recovered thanks partly to the bell sounding but was soon under pressure at the start of the second round. The challenger looked out of sorts as he flailed with his jab while being hunted round the ring. Another right hand saw him lose his footing but he survived to reach his stool.
Dubois was still quicker to the jab in the third round as Joshua’s head was snapped back time after time. He was being forced to hold the champion when he wasn’t backpedaling. When he did throw, Joshua was falling short and he was dropped again at the end of the round, falling to the canvas after the bell.
He survived the count but was down again at the start of the fourth round but that trip was ruled a slip. Dubois was relentless as he stalked his fellow Brit around the ring but somehow the Olympic champion was clinging on.
Joshua even looked as if he might turn the tide at the start of the fifth round when he caught Dubois was tagged himself and this time fell flat on his face on the canvas.
He struggled to find his legs but was unable to scramble to his feet as the referee waved off the fight.
Culled: Mirror.
