In the latest boxing news, Anthony Joshua isolated himself for four days in a darkness retreat.

According to reports, Joshua had been spending time in a room full of darkness ever since October 15th, 2023, with the intention of leaving on October 20th.

The move saw Joshua join a friend in separate rooms, without any connection to the outside world. It is believed that meals were provided through the doors, while communication was prohibited. The experience has set the boxer back £2,000, as Joshua confirmed the news.

Joshua Isolates Himself

"Myself and [my friend] are about to embrace the darkness and solitude for four days (separate rooms). Isolated with nothing to do except relax and clear the mind while being immersed in infinite darkness," Joshua

The experience has been done in an attempt for Joshua to experience more outside of the sport. It is no secret that Joshua is in a rebuilding process following back-to-back losses to Oleksandr Usyk.

In the aftermath of the second loss, Joshua’s mental state of mind was questioned as the boxer walked off with the belts before returning to the ring to recognise Usyk’s win.

And given that Joshua is now working under Derrick James, which has seen him rack up wins against Jermaine Franklin and Robert Helenius, any edge is clearly welcomed.

"What’s the worst that can happen? The worst is death so if it doesn’t do that, all good. I said to them I was a bit scared and he said that’s a good thing… By October 20, I will be one of the coolest people, coming out after sitting for four days in the dark," Joshua said

Those comments naturally raised a reaction, which has caused Eddie Hearn to respond. The promoter admitted that Joshua had been tested mentally, knowing that the boxer was no longer at the pinnacle of the sport.

But rather than being worried about the move, Hearn saw it as a part of Joshua’s rebuilding process moving forward. And after having been at the top for so long, it was naturally going to be a testing time now that the boxer has to sit back and see Tyson Fury face Oleksandr Usyk for the undisputed title, something Joshua had chased for so long. 

Hearn On Joshua

"What we saw in Saudi Arabia was an implosion of that bottled-up pressure that you talked about. I think he’s been very honest, particularly in that interview and in general. I think it’s great for people to realize that even people like AJ, this man mountain of a man, can struggle, and I think he has struggled mentally. I think he’s in a good place now. I think he’s also a guy that is always searching for improvements. So, it’s not so much of ‘I have mental health issues.’ It’s ‘how can I improve my mental health,’ and I think by doing these different experiments, that’s what he’s like. It’s not just that side but every physical aspect of his training camp," Hearn stated