50 Facts About Anthony Joshua

Early Life and Background

Anthony Joshua's journey from a troubled youth to a boxing titan is nothing short of inspiring. Let's dive into the early years that shaped this remarkable athlete.

1. Anthony Joshua was born on October 15, 1989, in Watford, Hertfordshire, to Yeta and Robert Joshua.
2. His mother is Nigerian, while his father has Nigerian and Irish ancestry, giving Joshua a rich cultural heritage.
3. Joshua's Nigerian roots are specifically tied to the Yoruba people, where he holds an aristocratic rank.
4. He spent part of his early years in Nigeria, attending Mayflower School in Ikenne, which deeply influenced his upbringing.
5. After his parents' divorce when he was 12, Joshua returned to the UK and joined Kings Langley Secondary School.
6. Growing up on the Meriden Estate in Garston, Hertfordshire, he was affectionately called "Femi" by friends and teachers, a nod to his middle name, Oluwafemi.

Athletic Beginnings

Before boxing, Joshua showcased his athletic talents in other sports, laying the groundwork for his future success in the ring.

7. Joshua was a talented footballer and athlete, excelling in track and field events.
8. He broke his school's Year Nine 100 m record with a time of 11.6 seconds, showcasing his speed and athleticism.
9. At the age of 18, Joshua's cousin, Ben Ileyemi, introduced him to boxing, marking the start of his boxing journey.

Amateur Boxing Career

Joshua's amateur career was filled with significant achievements that set the stage for his professional success.

10. He won a gold medal at the 2012 Summer Olympics in the super heavyweight division, representing Great Britain.
11. This Olympic victory catapulted him into the spotlight and paved the way for his professional career.

Professional Debut and Rise to Prominence

Joshua's professional career took off quickly, with impressive performances that earned him recognition in the boxing world.

12. Joshua made his professional debut in 2013, promoted by Eddie Hearn.
13. His rapid rise to prominence included winning his first world title in April 2016 with a second-round knockout win over Charles Martin.

World Title Reigns

Joshua's reigns as a heavyweight champion were marked by high-profile fights and significant victories.

14. Joshua first held the unified WBO, IBF, and WBA heavyweight titles from March 2018 to July 2019.
15. During this period, he faced notable opponents like Wladimir Klitschko and Joseph Parker.
16. In June 2019, Joshua lost his titles to Andy Ruiz Jr. in a shocking upset.
17. He reclaimed his titles in December 2019 with a unanimous decision win over Ruiz Jr.
18. Joshua's second unified title reign lasted until September 2021, during which he faced Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury.

Knockout Power and Punch Statistics

Joshua's knockout power and impressive punch statistics set him apart in the heavyweight division.

19. Joshua has a record of 25 knockouts in his 28 professional fights, showcasing his ability to finish fights decisively.
20. In his last nine fights, Joshua threw an average of 41 punches per round and landed 17, with a success rate of 40.8%.

Training and Conditioning

Joshua's rigorous training regimen and dedication to fitness have been key factors in his success.

21. He works with top trainers like Derrick James to maintain his physical fitness and tactical skills.
22. Joshua has put on 24 pounds since turning pro, a significant increase in body mass that mirrors the gains of former heavyweight champions.

Philanthropy and Community Involvement

Outside the ring, Joshua is known for his philanthropic efforts and commitment to giving back to the community.

23. Joshua supports various charitable causes, including those related to education and healthcare.
24. He is actively involved in his hometown of Watford, supporting local charities and community projects.

Fashion and Style

Joshua's fashion sense and style have made him a trendsetter, blending sportswear with high fashion.

25. He has been involved in high-profile fashion campaigns and collaborated with brands like Under Armour and Beats By Dre.
26. Joshua's ability to merge sportswear with high fashion has earned him recognition in the fashion industry.

Personal Interests and Hobbies

Joshua's interests outside of boxing reveal a multifaceted personality committed to continuous learning and self-improvement.

27. Joshua enjoys playing chess, which he believes helps develop his strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
28. He also enjoys reading, using it as a way to reinforce his boxing and tactical abilities.

Overcoming Challenges

Joshua's journey has not been without its challenges, but his resilience and determination have seen him through.

29. Before becoming a full-time boxer, Joshua worked as a bricklayer, which instilled a strong work ethic in him.
30. Joshua has spoken publicly about his troubled past, including a stint in Reading Prison for fighting and other issues.
31. In March 2011, Joshua was pulled over for speeding and found with herbal cannabis, leading to a 12-month community order and 100 hours of unpaid work.

Football Affiliation and Friendships

Joshua's connections to football and friendships with footballers highlight his ties to the sport and community.

32. Joshua supports his local team Watford F.C. and has a soft spot for Real Madrid C.F. due to Cristiano Ronaldo.
33. He describes English footballer Troy Deeney as his "good friend," reflecting their shared roots and community ties.

Legacy and Influence

Joshua's legacy in boxing and beyond is marked by his impact on culture, society, and the sport itself.

34. Joshua named Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, Larry Holmes, Lennox Lewis, and Evander Holyfield as his top five greatest heavyweight boxers of all time.
35. Joshua fathered a son named Joseph "JJ" Joshua with dance teacher Nicole Osbourne in 2015.
36. His relationship with longtime promoter Eddie Hearn has been positive, fostering a strong bond beyond their professional partnership.
37. In 2023, Joshua joined the investment group of the Alpine racing team of Formula One, reflecting his entrepreneurial spirit.
38. Joshua has been included in the annual Powerlist as one of the 100 most influential Black Britons, most recently in the 2021 edition.
39. He has a tattoo of the continent of Africa on his right shoulder, with the territory of Nigeria outlined, symbolizing his strong connection to his roots.

Controversies and Advocacy

Joshua's career has not been without controversies, but he has also been urged to use his platform for advocacy.

40. In August 2022, Joshua faced questions regarding his world-title challenge in Saudi Arabia and the human rights situation in the Kingdom.
41. Despite criticisms, Joshua maintained a positive stance, emphasizing the positive aspects of the event.
42. Yasser al-Khayat wrote a letter to Joshua urging him to stand up for human rights in Saudi Arabia, highlighting the importance of advocacy.

Marketability and Endorsements

Joshua's marketability and endorsement deals have made him one of the most recognizable athletes in the world.

43. Joshua has lucrative endorsement deals with brands like Under Armour, Beats By Dre, and Lucozade.
44. His "rags to riches" story has significantly contributed to his marketability, showcasing his journey from a troubled past to a boxing champion.

Business Ventures

Joshua's entrepreneurial spirit extends beyond boxing, with ventures that diversify his career.

45. Joshua co-founded 258MGT, a management company that handles his career and other athletes.
46. His investment in the Alpine racing team of Formula One showcases his interest in motorsports and willingness to explore new opportunities.

Cultural Icon

Joshua's impact on culture and society extends beyond the boxing ring, making him a cultural icon.

47. Joshua's inclusion in the Powerlist underscores his influence on British society and his role as a cultural icon.
48. His Nigerian heritage is a significant part of his identity, symbolized by his tattoo of Africa with Nigeria outlined.
49. Joshua's family background, including his parents' divorce, has shaped his perspective and motivated him to pursue a career in boxing.
50. Joshua's journey from a talented footballer and athlete to a two-time heavyweight champion is a testament to his determination and resilience.

Anthony Joshua: A Boxing Legend

Anthony Joshua's journey from a troubled youth to a two-time heavyweight champion is nothing short of inspiring. Born in Watford, England, with Nigerian roots, Joshua's story is a testament to determination and resilience. His early years in Nigeria and later return to the UK shaped his identity and drive. Introduced to boxing at 18, he quickly rose through the ranks, winning a gold medal at the 2012 Olympics and making a powerful professional debut in 2013. Despite setbacks, like his loss to Andy Ruiz Jr., Joshua's ability to bounce back and reclaim his titles showcases his grit. Beyond the ring, he's known for his philanthropic efforts, fashion sense, and business ventures. With knockout power and a strategic mind, Joshua remains a dominant force in boxing. His legacy, marked by his cultural impact and community involvement, will inspire future generations.