Is Anthony Joshua too old? Coach Tony Sims weighs in

Trainer Tony Sims has pointed to Anthony Joshua's recent setback at a loss to Daniel Dubois as a sign of him getting older, just as all boxers will sooner or later if they stay in the sport.

Carefully matched

Joshua can still win if matched carefully, as his promoter Eddie Hearn did for him recently until his knockout loss to Dubois. AJ still has enough time left to beat Tyson Fury and move on, but that will require Hearn to fight him against a non-boxer.

The 35-year-old Joshua (28-4, 25 KOs) lost by fifth-round knockout to IBF heavyweight champion Dubois (22-2, KO) in front of a large crowd on September 21. 21 KOs), this was the fourth loss of his career.

Joshua had performed well in his previous four fights against adjusted opponents, but he struggled against Dubois and was knocked out four times in the contest.

After Joshua was knocked down, the referee briefly thought the fight would be stopped in the fourth round, but seemed to change his mind when he saw AJ get back up. Many believed the fight should be canceled.

“He's had a great career, but everyone gets older. There's always a young guy that stands out and Daniel Dubois is that young guy that stands out,” Tony Sims said of Anthony Joshua said to Secondsout. “One day he'll be Joshua's age [34]but others will come, and that’s the way boxing develops.

“Great champions get old and young champions get through it. It's part of history that happens. I believe that's what happened. Joshua had a brilliant career. What he did for our sport. It's amazing. He brought stadiums, huge stadiums, packed the O2 Arena. He brought boxing to the forefront of the UK.

“It's a short career. One minute you're the young guy in the gym and the next minute you're the oldest guy in the gym and it just goes by so fast. That's what I believe happens. Things. Everyone moved on, it was DuBois's time and one day, maybe Moses Itauma thought it was time for him. The problem will be on the table. It's just a matter of age, and that's what happens.

Joshua has only lost to these three fighters:

– Andy Ruiz
– Alexander Usyk x 2
– Daniel DuBois

Joshua hasn't lost too many different fighters in his career and he still has the power, speed and skill to continue winning into the next decade.

What’s next for Joshua?

“He's a very, very rich man, probably one of the richest men to come from these shores. He doesn't have to fight, but if he fights, he's going to see Tyson Fury,” Sims said.

Promoters are already talking about Joshua fighting Tyson Fury next, and there's a good chance we'll see that happen. Joshua has chosen not to rematch Daniel Dubois and will not risk facing him again after two losses to Alexander Usyk. Aside from Fury, there aren't any other high-profile matches in the divisional round that fans want to see AJ compete in.