Anthony Oluwafemi Olaseni Joshua OBE, born on October 15, 1989, is a towering figure in the realm of professional boxing, hailing from Britain.
Renowned as a two-time former unified world heavyweight champion, Joshua’s dominance in the ring is underscored by his impressive reign, where he held the esteemed titles of the World Boxing Association (WBA) (Super version), International Boxing Federation (IBF), and World Boxing Organization (WBO) twice between 2016 and 2021.
Notably, he also clinched the International Boxing Organization (IBO) title twice during this illustrious period. Prior to his ascent to global acclaim, Joshua showcased his prowess at the regional level, securing both the British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles from 2015 to 2016.
Joshua’s journey to boxing greatness began in the amateur circuit, where he proudly represented England at the 2011 World Championships, capturing a silver medal in the super-heavyweight division.
His meteoric rise culminated at the 2012 Olympics, where he clinched the gold medal while proudly donning the colors of Great Britain. Such early achievements set the stage for his transition to the professional realm, earning him the esteemed title of Prospect of the Year by The Ring magazine in 2014.
However, it was his unforgettable showdown against Wladimir Klitschko in 2017 that etched Joshua’s name in boxing lore, earning accolades such as Fight of the Year by The Ring and the Boxing Writers Association of America.
Beyond his individual triumphs, Joshua’s legacy is marked by historic milestones. He stands as the second English boxer, following in the footsteps of James DeGale, to secure both Olympic gold and a world title from a major professional sanctioning body. Furthermore, he proudly holds the distinction of being the first English heavyweight to achieve such a feat.
As of October 2022, Joshua’s stature in the boxing world remains formidable, consistently ranked among the best active heavyweights by reputable sources such as BoxRec, The Ring, Transnational Boxing Rankings Board, and ESPN.
His remarkable knockout-to-win percentage of 88% underscores his sheer dominance in the ring, with an overall knockout percentage of 58% in world heavyweight title fights.
Anthony Joshua’s journey from humble beginnings to global boxing icon is a testament to his unwavering determination, exceptional talent, and relentless pursuit of excellence in the sport he loves.
Early life
Anthony Oluwafemi Olaseni Joshua’s journey from the Meriden Estate in Garston, Hertfordshire to becoming a global boxing sensation is rooted in his early life experiences and upbringing. Born on October 15, 1989, in Watford, Hertfordshire, Joshua is the son of Yeta and Robert Joshua.
His rich cultural heritage stems from his Nigerian roots, with his mother hailing from Nigeria and his father possessing Nigerian and Irish ancestry.
Within his Nigerian lineage, Joshua is connected to the esteemed Yoruba people, holding a position of aristocratic rank.
During his formative years, Joshua spent time in Nigeria, where he attended Mayflower School in Ikenne as a boarding student.
However, his life took a turn when his parents’ divorce led him back to the UK at the age of 12, midway through Year Seven. He enrolled at Kings Langley Secondary School, embarking on a new chapter in his education and personal development.
Growing up in Garston, Hertfordshire, Joshua was affectionately known as “Femi” by his peers and former teachers, a nod to his middle name, Oluwafemi.
His athletic prowess was evident from a young age, as he excelled in both football and athletics. Notably, Joshua showcased his speed and agility by breaking his school’s Year Nine 100m record with an impressive time of 11.6 seconds.
The influence of his early experiences, coupled with the resilience instilled in him through life’s challenges, laid the foundation for Joshua’s future success in the realm of professional boxing.
His journey from the streets of Garston to the global stage is a testament to his unwavering determination, perseverance, and the invaluable lessons learned during his formative years.
Professional career
Anthony Joshua’s professional career is a testament to his relentless pursuit of excellence and his ability to dominate the heavyweight division with unparalleled skill and determination. Transitioning from the amateur ranks to the professional arena under the Matchroom Sport promotional banner, Joshua embarked on a journey that would cement his status as a boxing legend.
In his professional debut on October 5, 2013, at the iconic O2 Arena in London, Joshua showcased his immense talent by securing a technical knockout victory over Emanuele Leo in the first round. This impressive start set the stage for a string of remarkable performances that would solidify his reputation as a rising star in the boxing world.
Joshua’s early fights were marked by a relentless display of power and precision, with victories over notable opponents such as Paul Butlin, Hrvoje Kišiček, and Dorian Darch, all culminating in devastating knockouts. With each successive bout, Joshua’s confidence and skill grew, earning him acclaim as one of the most promising prospects in the heavyweight division.
The pinnacle of Joshua’s early career came on April 9, 2016, when he faced IBF heavyweight champion Charles Martin at the O2 Arena. In a display of sheer dominance, Joshua dispatched Martin in the second round with a series of devastating blows, claiming his first world title and solidifying his status as a force to be reckoned with in the boxing world.
Following his victory over Martin, Joshua continued to defend his title with conviction, facing formidable opponents such as Dominic Breazeale and Eric Molina. Each victory served to further enhance Joshua’s reputation as a dominant force in the heavyweight division, earning him widespread acclaim and admiration from fans and critics alike.
However, it was Joshua’s epic showdown against Wladimir Klitschko on April 29, 2017, that would truly define his legacy. In front of a record-breaking crowd at Wembley Stadium, Joshua engaged in a back-and-forth battle with the seasoned veteran, ultimately emerging victorious with a thrilling knockout in the eleventh round.
The win not only solidified Joshua’s status as a unified heavyweight champion but also showcased his resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
Anthony Joshua’s professional career is a testament to his unwavering commitment to excellence and his relentless pursuit of greatness. With each victory, he continues to etch his name in the annals of boxing history, inspiring fans around the world with his remarkable talent and indomitable spirit.
Joshua’s next challenge came in the form of Joseph Parker, the WBO heavyweight champion, on March 31, 2018, at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff. The highly anticipated unification bout saw Joshua facing Parker in a bid to add another title to his collection and further solidify his dominance in the heavyweight division.
Negotiations for the fight were intense, with both camps striving to reach a favorable agreement. Eventually, the terms were settled, and the stage was set for a showdown between two of the top heavyweights in the world. The Principality Stadium in Cardiff was chosen as the venue, with thousands of fans eagerly anticipating the historic clash.
On the day of the fight, both Joshua and Parker weighed in lighter than their previous bouts, indicating their readiness and determination to put on a spectacular performance. As the bell rang, the two warriors engaged in a tactical battle, with Parker utilizing his movement to evade Joshua’s powerful attacks.
Despite Parker’s resilience, Joshua’s superior boxing skills and ring IQ allowed him to control the pace of the fight. Although he was forced to go the distance for the first time in his professional career, Joshua showcased his ability to adapt to different styles and emerged victorious via a twelve-round unanimous decision.
The judges scored the fight 118–110 twice and 119–109 in favor of Joshua, reaffirming his status as the unified heavyweight champion of the world. Despite the absence of a knockout, Joshua’s performance demonstrated his versatility and ability to overcome challenges, further solidifying his place among the greatest heavyweights of all time.
In the aftermath of the fight, both Joshua and Parker showed mutual respect, with Joshua acknowledging Parker’s toughness and determination. Looking ahead, Joshua expressed his desire to continue facing top contenders and unifying the heavyweight division, while Parker vowed to come back stronger and work towards another shot at the title.
The fight was broadcast live in the United States on Showtime, drawing significant viewership and further elevating Joshua’s profile on the international stage. With his victory over Parker, Joshua continued to captivate boxing fans worldwide and solidify his legacy as one of the sport’s true icons.
Joshua vs. Povetkin
Following the negotiations with Deontay Wilder for a potential super fight, Anthony Joshua’s camp shifted focus to a mandatory defense against Alexander Povetkin.
Talks between Joshua and Wilder’s teams had encountered various hurdles, including disagreements over the purse split, date, and venue. Despite the ongoing negotiations, promoter Eddie Hearn also worked on finalizing a deal for Joshua to face Povetkin, who became the mandatory challenger after defeating David Price.
The WBA imposed a deadline on Joshua’s camp to finalize a deal with Povetkin, signaling that the fight was edging closer to reality.
With negotiations progressing towards a bout with Povetkin, Hearn clarified that the anticipated clash with Wilder could still take place in April 2019. However, it became apparent that Joshua’s immediate focus would be on defending his titles against Povetkin.
On July 16, 2018, the Joshua vs. Povetkin fight was officially announced to take place on September 22, 2018, at Wembley Stadium in London.
The bout would see Joshua put his WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO heavyweight titles on the line against the formidable Povetkin. Despite being considered the favorite, Joshua and his team were well aware of the threat posed by Povetkin, with many pundits and trainers cautioning against underestimating the Russian challenger.
In front of a massive crowd of nearly 80,000 spectators, Joshua faced early resistance from Povetkin, who managed to land significant shots and bruise Joshua’s nose.
However, as the fight progressed, Joshua’s superior conditioning and power began to wear down Povetkin. In the seventh round, Joshua landed a decisive left hand that sent Povetkin to the canvas, prompting the referee to stop the fight and secure Joshua’s victory.
In the post-fight interview, Joshua expressed satisfaction with his performance, noting his successful return to his knockout form and his ability to exploit Povetkin’s weaknesses.
With the victory, Joshua continued his reign as the unified heavyweight champion, further cementing his status as one of the top fighters in the division.
Despite the impressive win, Joshua’s attention soon turned to future challenges, with speculation swirling about his next opponent. Ultimately, Joshua’s journey in the heavyweight division would take an unexpected turn in his next bout against Andy Ruiz Jr., setting the stage for one of the most memorable fights in recent boxing history.
On February 8th, agreements were reached for Anthony Joshua to defend his unified heavyweight titles against Jarrell Miller (23–0–1, 20 KOs) on June 1st at Madison Square Garden in New York City, marking Joshua’s debut in the United States.
This event set a record for the highest pre-sale revenue in the arena’s boxing history. Tensions rose during the launch press conference when Miller shoved Joshua during their first face-off.
Despite the initial tension, the press conference proceeded with verbal exchanges before Miller abruptly left the stage. Joshua remained to field questions from the media.
Reports suggested Joshua would earn £19.3 million (equivalent to $25 million) for his US debut, while another estimate put his earnings at $32 million. Miller’s deal with DAZN guaranteed him a career-high purse of $4.875 million, along with two additional bouts on the platform worth $3 million.
On April 17, 2019, both camps confirmed that the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association had notified them of Miller’s positive test for the banned substance GW1516. Subsequent tests on March 20 and March 31 also revealed positive results for EPO, HGH, and GW1516.
Following Miller’s suspension, numerous boxers, including Ivan Dychko and Manuel Charr, expressed interest in facing Joshua. Promoter Eddie Hearn reached out to 16 heavyweights within 24 hours. Luis Ortiz emerged as Joshua’s preferred replacement, but negotiations fell through despite significant ticket sales.
Andy Ruiz Jr. emerged as a frontrunner after offering to challenge Joshua for the unified heavyweight titles. Terms were quickly agreed upon, and on May 1st, the Joshua vs. Ruiz bout was officially confirmed to take place at Madison Square Garden, streamed exclusively on DAZN in the US. Ruiz was reported to earn around $7 million (£5.36 million) for the fight.
During the bout, Joshua dropped Ruiz in the third round, marking the first knockdown of Ruiz’s career. However, Ruiz recovered and retaliated with a knockdown of his own later in the same round.
In a stunning turn of events, Joshua was knocked down twice in the seventh round, leading to the referee stopping the fight and declaring Ruiz the winner by TKO.
Ruiz’s victory, in which he claimed all four of Joshua’s heavyweight titles, is regarded as one of the greatest upsets in boxing history, comparable to Mike Tyson vs. Buster Douglas.
Second Reign as Unified Heavyweight Champion
Joshua vs. Ruiz Jr. II
A rematch occurred on December 7, 2019, at the purpose-built Diriyah Arena in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia. At the weigh-in, Anthony Joshua weighed in at 237 pounds, nearly ten pounds lighter than their first encounter, while Andy Ruiz Jr. weighed in at 284 pounds, 16 pounds heavier than before. Joshua employed a disciplined strategy in the ring, utilizing his jab to keep Ruiz at bay and employing lateral movement to avoid close exchanges.
Despite some success from Ruiz, Joshua maintained control throughout the bout. He landed a sharp right hand in the first round, causing a cut beside Ruiz’s left eye. Joshua continued to land significant punches and ultimately secured victory via unanimous decision, with scores of 118–110 and 119–109 in his favor.
In his post-fight interview, Joshua expressed his satisfaction with the win, stating, “Man, the first time was so nice, I had to do it twice… Stay hungry, stay humble. I’m humble in defeat and will stay humble in victory.” Ruiz also acknowledged Joshua’s performance, acknowledging, “Anthony Joshua did a hell of a job.”
Joshua vs. Pulev
Initially set to face Kubrat Pulev in 2017, Anthony Joshua finally defended his heavyweight titles against Pulev, the IBF mandatory challenger, on December 12, 2020, at The O2 Arena in London.
Joshua dominated the fight, dropping Pulev twice in the third round before securing a ninth-round knockout victory to retain his unified heavyweight titles.
Former five-division champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. was in attendance, and Joshua paid tribute to him after the fight.
Joshua vs. Usyk
Following his victory over Pulev, Joshua was expected to face Tyson Fury for an undisputed heavyweight title bout. However, a contractual obligation forced Fury to face Deontay Wilder, leading Joshua to face Oleksandr Usyk instead on September 25, 2021, at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Usyk outboxed Joshua over 12 rounds, claiming a unanimous decision victory and handing Joshua his second professional loss.
Post-Title Career
Joshua vs. Usyk II
After activating a rematch clause, Anthony Joshua faced Oleksandr Usyk again on August 20, 2022, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Despite an improved performance, Joshua fell short, losing via a split decision.
After the fight, Joshua delivered an emotional speech and broke down in tears during the post-fight press conference.
Joshua vs. Franklin
On April 1, 2023, Joshua returned to the ring to face Jermaine Franklin at The O2 Arena. Despite a tense encounter and a post-fight scuffle, Joshua secured victory via unanimous decision.
Joshua vs. Helenius
Initially scheduled to face Dillian Whyte, Joshua instead fought Robert Helenius on August 12, 2023, at The O2 Arena, winning via knockout in the seventh round.
Joshua vs. Wallin
Joshua faced Otto Wallin on December 23, 2023, defeating him by RTD after Wallin’s corner decided not to continue after the fifth round.
Joshua vs. Ngannou
In his most recent bout, Joshua faced former UFC Heavyweight Champion Francis Ngannou on March 8, in Saudi Arabia, winning by second-round knockout.
Public image
Anthony Joshua is widely regarded as one of the most marketable athletes globally, boasting lucrative endorsement deals with renowned brands such as Under Armour, Beats By Dre, and Lucozade.
In 2017, he attained the title of the world’s most marketable athlete, surpassing basketball star Stephen Curry who held the position the previous year.
Joshua’s marketability, in addition to his prowess in boxing, can be attributed to his compelling “rags to riches” narrative, which portrays his journey from potential involvement in violence and crime to dedicating himself to the sport of boxing.
In an interview with GQ, Joshua expressed his ambition to exceed Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s reported career earnings of $700 million, emphasizing the need to set his sights on becoming a billionaire.
He highlighted the evolving landscape where ordinary individuals, including grandparents, accrue wealth through property investments, inspiring him to aim higher.
Joshua’s influence extends beyond the realm of sports, as evidenced by his inclusion in the annual Powerlist recognizing the 100 most influential Black Britons.
His most recent appearance in the 2021 edition solidifies his impact and stature in society. Additionally, Joshua pays homage to his Nigerian heritage, sporting a tattoo of the African continent on his right shoulder with Nigeria outlined, underscoring his strong connection to his roots.
However, Joshua faced scrutiny in August 2022 regarding the controversy surrounding his world-title challenge held in Saudi Arabia.
Questions arose regarding the human rights situation in the Kingdom, particularly after a woman was sentenced to 34 years in prison for her Twitter activity.
Despite the criticism, Joshua focused on the positive aspects, stating that people were drawn to the optimistic side of things and tended to overlook the negative aspects.
Yasser al-Khayat, whose brother Mustafa was executed by Saudi authorities, penned a letter to Joshua urging him to advocate for human rights.
Al-Khayat emphasized the importance of speaking out against oppression, noting that events like boxing matches could be exploited to divert attention from human rights abuses.
Racism Controversies Involving Anthony Joshua
In November 2017, Anthony Joshua found himself embroiled in controversy due to a series of comments and social media posts that sparked significant press attention.
One incident involved Joshua referring to heavyweight boxer Eddie Chambers as a “disgrace to the superior black race” on Instagram.
Initially, Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn claimed that the message originated from a fake account. However, this assertion was debunked when Chambers provided evidence showing that the message had, in fact, been sent from Joshua’s verified account.
Subsequently, Joshua stirred further controversy when he appeared to express support for Zimbabwean dictator Robert Mugabe on Snapchat.
Hearn, in response to these incidents, suggested that Joshua had encountered issues with his social media accounts and speculated that they might have been compromised or hacked.
In June 2020, Joshua faced accusations of racism following a speech he delivered at a Black Lives Matter protest in Watford.
During his address, Joshua urged attendees to “show them where it hurts, abstain from spending your money in their shops and economies, and invest in black-owned businesses.” Some social media users interpreted this statement as racially divisive and construed it as advocating for a boycott of white-owned establishments.
In response to the backlash, Joshua clarified that the speech he delivered was not his own but rather was read on behalf of a friend. Additionally, he vehemently denied accusations of racism, stating, “If you think I’m a racist, go f*** yourself.”
These instances underscore the complexities and challenges associated with navigating discussions surrounding race, particularly for public figures like Anthony Joshua.
While some of his statements have sparked accusations of racism, Joshua has consistently denied such claims and maintained his commitment to inclusivity and equality.
Personal Life of Anthony Joshua
Anthony Joshua, the renowned heavyweight boxer, has showcased diverse interests and experiences throughout his life.
Beyond his athletic pursuits, Joshua has demonstrated an affinity for strategic games such as chess and a passion for reading, which he credits with enhancing his boxing skills and tactical acumen. Prior to fully dedicating himself to boxing, Joshua worked as a bricklayer, underscoring his strong work ethic and determination.
In 2009, Joshua faced a challenging period when he was remanded in Reading Prison for his involvement in altercations and other incidents. This experience, he acknowledges, served as a turning point in his life, prompting him to reevaluate his choices and commitments.
Another significant incident occurred in March 2011 when Joshua was apprehended by police for speeding in Colindale, North London.
Upon inspection of his vehicle, authorities discovered a quantity of herbal cannabis hidden in a sports bag. Joshua was subsequently charged with possession with intent to supply, a serious offense carrying a potential 14-year prison sentence.
He received a 12-month community order and 100 hours of unpaid work after pleading guilty in court. This episode led to his suspension from the GB Boxing squad.
Despite these challenges, Joshua has also shared aspects of his personal interests and affiliations. While initially stating in 2012 that he did not support a football team, he later revealed in a 2017 interview that he had a soft spot for his local team, Watford F.C., and expressed admiration for Real Madrid C.F., particularly due to his appreciation for Cristiano Ronaldo.
Additionally, Joshua considers English footballer Troy Deeney, whom he befriended in his hometown of Watford, as a close friend.
When it comes to boxing, Joshua holds esteemed figures in high regard, citing Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, Larry Holmes, Lennox Lewis, and Evander Holyfield as his top five greatest heavyweight boxers of all time.
In his personal life, Joshua became a father to a son named Joseph “JJ” Joshua in 2015, with dance teacher Nicole Osbourne. He also maintains a positive relationship with his longtime promoter, Eddie Hearn, whom he regards as a friend.
Furthermore, Joshua ventured into the world of motorsport in 2023 by joining the investment group of the Alpine racing team in Formula One, showcasing his interest in diverse fields beyond boxing.
