Anthony Joshua

Early Life and Amateur Career

 

Anthony Joshua’s ascent to boxing stardom began in the relatively modest settings of Watford, Hertfordshire, where he was born on October 15, 1989. His early life didn’t immediately point towards a future in boxing; instead, Joshua excelled in athletics, particularly in football and track and field, showcasing his natural athletic prowess. It wasn’t until the age of 18 that Joshua’s boxing journey began, a relatively late start for a professional boxer. His introduction to boxing occurred somewhat serendipitously when his cousin suggested he try it purely as a way to keep fit. Joshua walked into Finchley ABC, a local boxing gym in North London, and quickly demonstrated a natural affinity for the sport. Under the guidance of his coach, Sean Murphy, Joshua’s raw talent was honed into technical skill, setting the stage for a promising amateur career.

 

Joshua’s amateur career took off rapidly. In 2010, he won the senior ABA Championships after only 18 bouts, impressing the national team coaches. His achievement earned him a place on the GB Boxing team, and from there, his career trajectory steepened. In 2011, he struck gold at the European Amateur Boxing Championships in Ankara, defeating seasoned opponents and signaling his arrival on the international stage.

 

His crowning achievement as an amateur came at the 2012 London Olympics, where Joshua entered as a relative novice on the global scene but left as an Olympic champion. Competing in the super-heavyweight division, he fought through a challenging roster of opponents, culminating in a dramatic final against reigning champion Roberto Cammarelle of Italy. The match was fiercely contested, with Joshua securing the gold medal by way of a count-back tiebreaker after the bout ended in a draw—a decision that was both celebrated and contested.

 

This Olympic victory catapulted Joshua into the national spotlight and laid a solid foundation for his professional career. It wasn’t just his prowess in the ring that made him a standout but also his charismatic and approachable personality, which made him a favorite among British sports fans. From his late start at Finchley ABC to Olympic glory, Joshua’s early boxing life is a testament to the impact of determination, physical talent, and rapid development in the sport.

 

Professional Career

 

Anthony Joshua’s professional boxing career began with a resounding start under the Matchroom Sport banner on October 5, 2013, at the O2 Arena in London, where he defeated Italian Emanuele Leo by technical knockout (TKO) in the first round. This victory marked the beginning of a string of successes, characterized by Joshua’s powerful and dominant style. His rapid ascent in the heavyweight ranks was punctuated by significant victories, including a second-round TKO over former world title challenger Kevin Johnson in May 2015. Joshua’s winning streak led to a pivotal moment in April 2016 when he claimed the IBF heavyweight title by defeating Charles Martin via a knockout in the second round.

 

A career-defining fight for Joshua occurred in April 2017 against Wladimir Klitschko at Wembley Stadium. Despite being knocked down early in the fight, Joshua rallied to secure a victory by TKO in the eleventh round, also earning the WBA (Super) and IBO heavyweight titles. This bout showcased his resilience and solidified his status as a top-tier heavyweight. Joshua continued to defend his titles against challengers like Carlos Takam, Joseph Parker, and Alexander Povetkin. However, in June 2019, Andy Ruiz Jr. delivered a stunning upset, defeating Joshua by TKO and claiming his titles. Joshua regained his championships in their rematch in December 2019 in Saudi Arabia, winning by unanimous decision.

 

In 2020, Joshua successfully defended his titles against Kubrat Pulev with a knockout victory. This set up a high-profile bout against Oleksandr Usyk. Their first encounter in September 2021 saw Joshua lose his titles by unanimous decision. He faced Usyk again in August 2022 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in a rematch but was unable to reclaim his belts, losing by decision. In 2023, Joshua continued his efforts to re-establish himself among the heavyweight elite. On April 1, he faced Jermaine Franklin at The O2 Arena, securing a unanimous decision victory. He then fought Robert Helenius on August 12, winning by knockout with a decisive right hook in the seventh round.

 

Later in 2023, Joshua squared off against Otto Wallin on December 23. He emerged victorious when Wallin’s corner halted the fight after the fifth round. Joshua then took a significant step outside traditional boxing by facing former UFC Heavyweight Champion Francis Ngannou in a crossover bout on March 8, 2024, in Saudi Arabia. Joshua won the fight by second-round knockout, demonstrating his power and versatility in the ring. Throughout his career, Joshua has not only showcased his physical prowess but also his strategic mind and adaptability, continuously refining his approach to meet various challenges and opponents. His journey reflects his victories, challenges, and unwavering commitment to excellence in boxing.