Anthony Oluwafemi Olaseni Joshua, OBE (born 15 October 1989) is a British-Nigerian professional boxer. He is currently a unified world heavyweight champion, holding three of the four major championships in boxing: the IBF title since 2016, the WBA (Super) title since 2017, and the WBO title since 2018. He has also held the IBO title since 2017, and at regional level he held the British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles from 2014 to 2016.
A late starter in the sport, Joshua only began boxing in 2007, aged 18, when his cousin suggested he take it up. His club, Finchley ABC in Barnet, North London, is also home to professional heavyweight Dereck Chisora. Joshua won the 2009 and 2010 Haringey Box Cup. Joshua won the senior ABA Championships in 2010, in only his 18th bout, and later turned down £50,000 to turn professional.
“Turning down that £50,000 was easy. I didn’t take up the sport for money, I want to win medals.”
He also went on to win the same tournament the following year. In 2010 his domestic success earned him a place on the GB Boxing team and later the same year he became British amateur champion at the GB Amateur Boxing Championships after defeating Amin Isa.
In October 2011 he was named Amateur Boxer of the Year by the Boxing Writers Club of Great Britain. Joshua had an amateur record of 40-3. In March 2011 while Joshua was on the GB Olympics team Police pulled Joshua over for speeding and found 8oz of herbal cannabis hidden in his sports bag. He peaded guilty to possession with intent to supply a class B drug in 2011. He was suspended by Team GB but not cast out entirely.
The boxer and his team are currently facing frustration with his American debut now a doubt after his supposed opponent Jarrell ‘Big Baby’ Miller, for his bout at the New York’s Madison Square Garden on June 1 failed a drugs test. The fight with Miller is officially off but Joshua’s team are currently looking for a replacement.
Below is the picture he posted on his IG handle showing off his collection of title belts…
