Anthony Joshua, one of England’s most iconic boxers, has left an indelible mark on the sport with 28 victories out of 32 professional fights. At the peak of his career, Joshua held four major heavyweight titles: WBA (World Boxing Association), IBF (International Boxing Federation), WBO (World Boxing Organization), and IBO (International Boxing Organization). Though he no longer holds these titles, his legacy as one of the greatest English heavyweights of all time remains unchallenged. Joshua’s journey from an amateur enthusiast to a globally renowned champion is a story of grit, determination, and perseverance.
Early Life: From Bricklaying to Boxing Rings
Born on October 15, 1989, in Watford, England, Anthony Oluwafemi Olaseni Joshua is of Nigerian descent. His mother, Yeta, hails from Nigeria, while his father, Robert, has both Nigerian and Irish roots. Joshua’s Yoruba heritage grants him an aristocratic background, and he spent much of his early childhood in Nigeria. Following his parents’ separation, he returned to England, settling in Hertfordshire.
Nicknamed “Femi” by classmates and teachers at Kings Langley Secondary School due to his middle name, Joshua excelled in sports from a young age. Before boxing entered his life, he showcased his athletic prowess in football and track and field, even breaking his school’s 100-meter sprint record with an impressive 11.6 seconds.
To support himself, Joshua worked as a bricklayer before turning to boxing. He has often reflected on those humble beginnings, comparing his journey to that of MMA star Conor McGregor, who worked as a plumber before achieving fame.
Overcoming Challenges: A Rocky Start
Joshua’s path to greatness wasn’t without hurdles. In 2008, he served time in Reading prison due to a physical altercation and wore an electronic tag upon release. In 2011, a speeding incident led to police discovering drugs in his car, resulting in a 12-month community order and 100 hours of unpaid work. These early struggles, however, became turning points that fueled his determination to succeed.
Rise Through Amateur Ranks
Joshua began boxing at 18, encouraged by his cousin, who saw his potential. He joined Finchley ABC, a North London gym known for producing top-tier talent, including British heavyweight Derek Chisora. Joshua quickly made his mark, winning the Haringey Box Cup in 2009 and 2010.
In 2010, his victory in the England Boxing National Amateur Championships brought him national attention, attracting offers from promoters. However, Joshua turned down a £50,000 deal, prioritizing his growth as an athlete and aiming for a spot on the Great Britain boxing team. His decision proved wise, as he went on to win a silver medal at the 2011 World Championships and qualified for the 2012 London Olympics.
Olympic Glory
At the London 2012 Olympics, Joshua cemented his place in boxing history by clinching gold in the super-heavyweight division. Despite facing tough opponents, including Roberto Cammarelle in the final, Joshua’s grit and determination secured him a victory by count-back after a tie in points. His triumph wasn’t without controversy, with some experts questioning the decision, but it marked the beginning of his meteoric rise.
Dominating the Professional Scene
Anthony Joshua turned professional in 2013, signing with renowned promoter Eddie Hearn. His debut at the O2 Arena in London ended in a first-round TKO victory against Emanuele Leo. From there, Joshua’s career gained momentum as he claimed a series of victories, often by knockout.
In 2015, he captured the British heavyweight title by defeating Dillian Whyte. A year later, he won the IBF heavyweight title by beating Charles Martin. His crowning moment came in 2017 at Wembley Stadium when he defeated the legendary Wladimir Klitschko in an 11th-round TKO, adding the WBA and IBO titles to his collection.
Setbacks and Redemption
Joshua’s first professional loss came in 2019 against Andy Ruiz Jr., a defeat that shocked the boxing world. However, he regained his titles in a rematch later that year. His reign was interrupted again in 2021 when Oleksandr Usyk defeated him, a loss he couldn’t avenge in their 2022 rematch.
Despite these setbacks, Joshua remains a formidable force in the heavyweight division. Recent victories against fighters like Jermaine Franklin and Robert Helenius signal his determination to reclaim his position among boxing’s elite.
Outside the Ring: Fatherhood and Legacy
With a net worth estimated at $83 million, Anthony Joshua leads a life of comfort but remains grounded. A devoted father to his son, Joseph “JJ” Joshua, he cherishes his role as a parent. “I just want him to be the best he can be. I don’t want him to be compared to me,” Joshua has said, emphasizing his dedication to nurturing his son’s unique path.
A Legend in Progress
Anthony Joshua’s journey is far from over. With 28 wins (25 by knockout) and four losses, he continues to chase greatness in the ring. A potential matchup against Tyson Fury looms on the horizon, a fight fans worldwide eagerly anticipate. Regardless of future results, Joshua’s legacy as one of the most influential and inspiring figures in boxing history is firmly established.
