Anthony Joshua is set to return with a two-fight deal after losing to Daniel Dubois, but that loss was not his first, as another happened on this day six years ago.
Anthony Joshua may face Dillian Whyte as part of a two-fight deal with Turki Alalshikh. This comes after Joshua lost brutally to Daniel Dubois after several knockdowns and a thunderous knockout for the younger man.
Joshua may also face Jared Anderson, who lost to Martin Bakole and has had one win since.
This comeback is the result of Joshua’s fourth loss, having been beaten previously by Oleksandr Usyk twice, and Andy Ruiz before that.
Whilst Ruiz deserves his flowers for the big win, there was one other man responsible for Joshua’s maiden loss.
Jarrell Miller should’ve been the one in the ring with Anthony Joshua that night
After 22 victories and becoming a world champion, Joshua made his US debut in the hopes of attracting even more fans.
The British heavyweight was set to face Jarrell Miller, who was 23-0-1 at the time. Miller was, however, found guilty of using performance-enhancing drugs, and was removed from the show.
Joshua’s team were forced to find a late replacement, and landed on 32-1 Andy Ruiz, who had lost to Joseph Parker only.
Miller’s withdrawal meant Joshua’s planning for the fight was now all for the wrong style, meaning he had to adapt fast if he was to defeat the Mexican heavyweight.
After being dropped multiple times, Ruiz, who punched his own trainer once, took the win.
Anthony Joshua has had mixed results on foreign soil
Joshua has fought outside of the UK just five times in his 32-fight career.
The first was his loss to Ruiz, which came by seventh round TKO. Next was his Saudi debut, in which he rematched Ruiz, winning by unanimous decision.
Then came his rematch with Usyk, which he lost by split decision. After that were two dominant wins in Saudi Arabia against Otto Wallin and Francis Ngannou.
USA – Andy Ruiz – LOSS – TKO7
Saudi Arabia – Andy Ruiz – WIN – UD
Saudi Arabia – Oleksandr Usyk – LOSS – SD
Saudi Arabia – Otto Wallin – WIN – RTD5
Saudi Arabia – Francis Ngannou – WIN – KO2