Anthony Joshua Warned by Paul Smith after Defeat to Dubois: Ben Davison’s ‘Roll The Dice’ Is a Disaster

The boxing world was left stunned after Anthony Joshua’s devastating defeat to Daniel Dubois, a result that has sparked serious concerns about his career trajectory. Among those voicing their opinions is boxing analyst and former professional fighter Paul Smith, who believes that Joshua’s current coaching situation—particularly under the guidance of Ben Davison—is a major reason for his recent struggles. According to Smith, Joshua needs an urgent change in his coaching team to regain his former dominance.

A Shocking Defeat That Raises Questions

Anthony Joshua, once seen as the face of heavyweight boxing, has suffered another setback in his career. His fight against Daniel Dubois was supposed to be a stepping stone toward reclaiming a world title, but instead, it turned into a nightmarish loss. Despite entering the bout as the favorite, Joshua failed to impose himself, leading to one of the biggest upsets in recent heavyweight history.

This defeat has left many fans and analysts wondering what went wrong. While some point to Joshua’s declining confidence, others, like Paul Smith, believe the real issue lies in his coaching setup. The boxing world is now debating whether Joshua needs to overhaul his entire training approach to rediscover his peak form.

Ben Davison’s Training Philosophy Under Fire

Paul Smith has not held back in his criticism of Joshua’s preparation under Ben Davison. The coaching strategy, dubbed ‘Roll the Dice’, was supposed to help Joshua rediscover his confidence and attacking instincts. However, Smith argues that it has done the exact opposite.

Three major flaws in Davison’s approach, according to Smith:

1. Lack of Defensive Structure: Joshua appeared too vulnerable to counterattacks, a problem that has persisted since his losses to Oleksandr Usyk. His defensive footwork and head movement were not refined enough to handle a powerful counterpuncher like Dubois.

2. Overemphasis on Aggression: Instead of refining his technique, Joshua was encouraged to take risks, which backfired against a strong puncher. While aggression can be a useful tool, reckless forward movement left him open to damaging shots.

3. Lack of Adaptability in the Fight: Joshua’s corner failed to make crucial adjustments as the fight progressed, allowing Dubois to capitalize on openings. Great trainers make adjustments mid-fight, something Davison was seemingly unable to do.

The Psychological Toll of Defeat

Beyond the technical aspects, Joshua’s latest defeat raises concerns about his mental state. Since his shocking loss to Andy Ruiz Jr. in 2019, Joshua has been visibly more hesitant in the ring. His confidence took a hit after losing to Usyk twice, and this latest loss to Dubois could further shake his belief in his own abilities.

Psychologists and sports analysts believe that confidence is one of the most important attributes for a boxer. Without it, even the most physically gifted fighters can struggle. If Joshua wants to return to the top, he must rebuild his mental strength along with his technical skills.

Paul Smith Calls for a New Coaching Team

Given the high stakes of Joshua’s career, Smith believes that a fresh start is necessary. He argues that Joshua has already worked with several trainers, but none have been able to fully restore his confidence and effectiveness. Smith suggests that Joshua needs to find a trainer who can both refine his boxing skills and strengthen his mental toughness.

Potential Coaching Candidates for Joshua

If Joshua were to part ways with Davison, who could be his ideal replacement? Some names have already been suggested:

1. Freddie Roach: The legendary coach has trained champions like Manny Pacquiao and could add an aggressive edge to Joshua’s style. Roach is known for developing fighters with relentless offensive pressure while maintaining solid defense.

2. Virgil Hunter: Known for his tactical genius, Hunter could help Joshua improve his ring IQ and defensive skills. He has worked with elite fighters like Andre Ward and understands how to develop a calculated, strategic approach.

3. Derrick James: A coach who has worked with several elite fighters, he could help Joshua regain his knockout power while maintaining technical discipline. James has a reputation for instilling discipline and precision in his fighters.

4. Teddy Atlas: A veteran trainer with a deep understanding of boxing psychology, Atlas could be the right fit to help Joshua overcome his mental hurdles. His ability to motivate fighters could be exactly what Joshua needs.

What’s Next for Joshua?

The defeat to Dubois leaves Joshua at a crossroads. Does he stick with his current setup, or does he take drastic action and seek a new training team? Many believe that his next move will define the remainder of his career.

Potential Opponents for Joshua’s Comeback

While Joshua is still one of the biggest names in boxing, he must carefully choose his next opponent. Some potential matchups include:

• A rematch with Dubois: This could be an opportunity for Joshua to redeem himself and prove that his loss was just an off night.

• A fight against Deontay Wilder: Both fighters are coming off disappointing performances, but a clash between the two would still be a massive event with global interest.

• A lower-risk tune-up fight: Taking on a lesser opponent could allow Joshua to regain confidence before stepping back into the ring with elite competition.

• A fight against Joe Joyce: Another exciting all-British showdown that could help Joshua reestablish himself as a serious contender.

How Long Does Joshua Have Left at the Top?

At 34 years old, Joshua is no longer the young prospect he once was. Heavyweight boxing has seen fighters remain competitive into their late 30s and even early 40s, but the window for a career resurgence is closing. If he wants to become a world champion again, he must make the right choices now.

Conclusion: A Critical Decision Ahead

Anthony Joshua is at a defining moment in his career. With Paul Smith leading the call for change, the pressure is mounting on Joshua to make adjustments—starting with his coaching staff. Whether he listens to the advice or sticks with Davison remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: his next fight could determine whether he remains a serious contender or fades into boxing history. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Joshua makes the necessary changes to revive his once-dominant career.

Final Thoughts

The debate over Joshua’s coaching and future will continue to dominate boxing discussions in the coming months. If he wants to silence the critics and prove that he still belongs at the top, he must take bold steps—whether that means changing his trainer, adjusting his fighting style, or approaching his career with a renewed mindset. The countdown to his next move has already begun.