Paul Smith Urges Anthony Joshua to Ditch Ben Davison After Dubois Debacle, Slams Roll the Dice Plan

Anthony Joshua, once considered the face of heavyweight boxing, finds himself at a critical juncture in his career. Following a series of highs and lows, his latest association with trainer Ben Davison has sparked heated debate among boxing analysts, including Paul Smith. The former British champion has not minced words, openly criticizing Joshua’s decision to train under Davison after the Daniel Dubois fight debacle. Smith has urged Joshua to abandon this partnership, calling it a misguided move that could jeopardize his future in the heavyweight division.

With the heavyweight landscape growing increasingly competitive, Joshua’s recent struggles inside the ring have raised concerns about whether he can reclaim his former dominance. Paul Smith’s outspoken remarks shed light on the deeper issues within Joshua’s camp, particularly the inconsistency in his coaching choices. As Joshua continues to chase a defining fight against either Tyson Fury or a Dubois rematch, many are questioning if he has the right team behind him.

Paul Smith’s Scathing Criticism: Why Joshua Needs to Move On

Paul Smith’s criticism of Ben Davison’s coaching philosophy stems from concerns about Joshua’s evolving fighting style. Smith believes that Davison’s approach is ill-suited for a power puncher like Joshua, who thrives on aggression rather than defensive tactics.

“Joshua isn’t the kind of fighter who should be adopting a back-foot style or trying to finesse his way to victory,” Smith remarked in a recent interview. “He needs a coach who understands his strengths—raw power, precision, and knockout ability. I don’t see that happening under Davison.”

Smith went on to argue that Joshua’s best performances came when he was with trainers who embraced his natural explosiveness. Under Robert McCracken, Joshua rose to prominence, becoming an Olympic gold medalist and a unified world champion. Even during his time with Angel Fernandez, Joshua showed moments of brilliance. However, under Davison, Smith believes that Joshua lacks a clear identity as a fighter, which could cost him dearly in future bouts.

The Dubois Fight Fallout: A Wake-Up Call for AJ?

Joshua’s performance against Daniel Dubois only fueled further skepticism regarding his career trajectory. The highly anticipated fight, which many expected to be a statement win for Joshua, instead turned into a tactical chess match where his usual ferocity was missing.

Dubois, despite being the underdog, pushed Joshua to his limits, exposing flaws in his approach. Rather than asserting his dominance early, Joshua seemed hesitant, lacking the signature explosiveness that once made him a feared heavyweight. This tentative approach has been linked to the training adjustments made under Ben Davison, leading Smith to believe that Joshua is no longer fighting instinctively.

“If you’re Anthony Joshua, you shouldn’t be in there thinking too much—you should be throwing punches with bad intentions,” Smith said. “That’s what made him a world champion, and that’s what he’s missing right now.”

With Joshua’s performance against Dubois falling short of expectations, speculation has run rampant about whether his relationship with Davison will last. Some insiders believe that the partnership is temporary and that Joshua may soon revert to a more traditional coaching setup.

The ‘Final Roll of the Dice’ Plan: Risk or Redemption?

Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s longtime promoter, has described the next phase of Joshua’s career as a ‘final roll of the dice’—a phrase that has sparked widespread discussion. The term implies that Joshua is on the verge of either cementing his legacy or facing an irreversible decline.

Hearn has laid out two major fights that could define Joshua’s future:

1. A long-awaited showdown with Tyson Fury

2. A potential Dubois rematch

The Fury fight is undoubtedly the bigger draw, offering Joshua a chance to finally settle the long-standing debate about who is the best British heavyweight of this era. However, with Fury currently engaged in negotiations with other contenders, Joshua may have to settle for a Dubois rematch first.

The problem, according to Smith, is that Joshua cannot afford another lackluster performance.

“If he’s going to roll the dice, he needs to do it with confidence, not second-guessing himself,” Smith said. “If he’s still with Davison and looking unsure in the ring, he’s going to get picked apart, whether it’s by Fury or Dubois.”

Hearn, meanwhile, has remained steadfast in his belief that Joshua has at least one more title run left in him. However, the pressure is mounting, and the boxing world is watching closely to see whether Joshua’s next move will bring him closer to glory—or further into decline.

Should Joshua Consider a Different Trainer?

If Joshua were to part ways with Davison, who could be the right fit to guide him into the final stages of his career? Several names have been floated, including

• Freddie Roach: The legendary trainer known for his aggressive coaching style and ability to sharpen a fighter’s knockout instincts.

• Derrick James: A trainer who has worked with elite fighters like Errol Spence Jr. and could help Joshua rediscover his offensive arsenal.

• Virgil Hunter: Known for developing fighters with a tactical mindset, which could provide Joshua with a well-balanced approach.

Smith believes that Joshua needs a no-nonsense coach who will push him to return to his fearsome, knockout-oriented style.

“Joshua doesn’t need someone holding his hand—he needs someone pushing him to be ruthless again,” Smith said.

Whether Joshua listens to Smith’s advice remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: his next coaching decision could determine his fate in the heavyweight division.

Conclusion: Joshua’s Defining Moment Awaits

With Paul Smith publicly calling for Joshua to abandon Ben Davison, the pressure is on for AJ to make a decision that aligns with his true boxing style. If he chooses to stick with Davison, he must fully commit to the changes and prove that they are making him a more complete fighter. If not, he must cut ties quickly and find a coach who will bring out the best in him.

The ‘final roll of the dice’ plan, as Hearn calls it, is not just about winning fights—it’s about reclaiming Joshua’s status as one of boxing’s elite. A blockbuster fight against Tyson Fury or a Dubois rematch could serve as the ultimate test, but if Joshua wants to win on the biggest stage, he must ensure that he is fighting without hesitation and with full confidence in his corner.

For now, the world waits to see whether Joshua will heed Paul Smith’s warning—or if he will gamble with his career and roll the dice one last time.