After being caught speeding prior to his catastrophic knockout loss to Daniel Dubois on Saturday night, Anthony Joshua has avoided a driving ban. At Wembley Stadium, Joshua’s attempt to become a three-time heavyweight champion was unsuccessful when he was stopped by fellow Briton in just five rounds.
It has since come to light that, prior to the world title battle, he was also coping with personal matters. The Standard reports that court documents indicate Joshua was stopped by a Sus𝓈ℯ𝓍 Police officer just after 9 p.m. on May 29 after using a handheld speed gun to detect speeding at 44 mph in a 30 mph zone.
Anthony Joshua was kncoked out by Daniel Dubois inside five rounds on Saturday night
Joshua pleaded guilty to the offence on September 17, just four days before getting into the ring, but blamed his misdemeanour on ‘physical and mental fatigue’ from his ‘very intense training camp’.
Joshua pleaded guilty to speeding just four days before getting into the ring with Dubois
AJ blamed his speeding offence on ‘physical and mental fatigue’ and escaped a driving ban
He told Hastings Magistrates’ Court he needed to drive to get to remote locations for boxing sessions, and was subsequently fined £1,167 while avoiding a ban, but it is not known whether he learned his fate prior to getting into the ring with Dubois.
Joshua’s letter of mitigation read: ‘I fully accept responsibility for my actions on May 29, 2024 and deeply regret my failure to adhere to the speed limits. I understand the importance of road safety and am fully aware of the potential consequences of speeding, not only for myself but also for other road users.
‘My behaviour on that day was not excusable, and I take full ownership of my mistake. I would, however, like to offer some context regarding the situation, not as an excuse, but in the hope that the court may consider it when determining my penalty.
‘I am a professional athlete, currently in the middle of a very intense training camp. My schedule has been extremely demanding, and I was traveling to or from a training session at the time and date of the offense.
‘The physical and mental fatigue from my training may have clouded my judgment, leading to this lapse in concentration.
‘I recognise that such circumstances do not justify speeding, and I deeply regret allowing myself to make this error. I have since made a very conscious effort to be more mindful of my speed and have been adhering strictly to all traffic laws.’
Joshua is now free to continuing driving as he licks his wounds after a humbling defeat last Saturday.
Joshua has promised to keep fighting and may challenge Dubois to a rematch right away.
The 34-year-old was floored three times before the fifth round sent him down for the fourth and final time after he was unable to overcome the referee’s 10-count.
Though he has stated he will not be retiring in the wake of his unfair defeat, he is currently considering his options. The 2012 Olympic gold medallist may choose to face Dubois again right away, and in 2025, a domestic rematch with Tyson Fury is another possibility. We have requested comments from Joshua’s agents.
