Anthony Joshua facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Anthony Joshua |
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Joshua in 2017
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| Statistics | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Nickname(s) | AJ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rated at | Heavyweight | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 6 ft 6 in | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reach | 82 in | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Born | 15 October 1989 Watford, England |
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| Stance | Orthodox | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Boxing record | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total fights | 32 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Wins | 28 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Wins by KO | 25 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Losses | 4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Medal record
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Anthony Oluwafemi Olaseni Joshua, also known as AJ, is a British professional boxer born on 15 October 1989. He is a two-time world heavyweight champion, holding multiple titles between 2016 and 2021. He also won the British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles early in his career.
Before turning professional, Joshua had a successful amateur career. He won a silver medal for England at the 2011 World Championships. He then represented Great Britain at the 2012 Olympics in London, where he won a gold medal in the super-heavyweight class. In 2014, The Ring magazine named him "Prospect of the Year."
His exciting 2017 victory against Wladimir Klitschko was named "Fight of the Year" by both The Ring magazine and the Boxing Writers Association of America.
Contents
Early Life and Background
Anthony Oluwafemi Olaseni Joshua was born in Watford, Hertfordshire, to his Nigerian mother, Yeta, and his father, Robert, who is of Nigerian and Irish descent. Joshua is proud of his Nigerian roots, which trace back to the Yoruba people. His cousin, Ben Ileyemi, is also a professional boxer, and they both started their professional careers in 2013.
Joshua lived in Nigeria for some of his childhood, attending a boarding school. He returned to the United Kingdom when he was 12 and went to Kings Langley Secondary School. His friends and teachers often called him "Femi." He was a talented athlete, excelling in football and track. He even set a school record for the 100-meter dash.
Amateur Boxing Career
Joshua started boxing relatively late, at the age of 18, in 2007. His cousin suggested he try the sport. He trained at Finchley ABC in Barnet, the same gym as fellow heavyweight boxer Derek Chisora.
He quickly showed great talent, winning several amateur tournaments. In 2010, he became the senior ABA champion of England. He was offered £50,000 to turn professional but turned it down. "I didn't take up the sport for money, I want to win medals," he said. His success earned him a spot on the Great Britain boxing team.
Success on the World Stage
In 2011, Joshua competed in the World Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan. He surprised many by beating the reigning world and Olympic champion, Roberto Cammarelle of Italy. He made it to the final but lost by just one point, winning a silver medal. This performance secured his spot in the 2012 Olympic Games.
At the London 2012 Olympics, Joshua was still new to international competition. He had a tough series of matches but fought his way to the final. There, he faced Roberto Cammarelle again. After a very close fight, the scores were tied. Joshua was declared the winner on a count-back, becoming the Olympic super-heavyweight champion. For his services to boxing, he was honored by Queen Elizabeth II.
Professional Boxing Career
Joshua turned professional in 2013, signing with Matchroom Sport. He made his debut on 5 October 2013 at The O2 Arena in London, winning by a technical knockout (TKO) in the first round. He went on to win his first 14 fights by knockout, quickly rising through the heavyweight ranks.
In 2015, he won the Commonwealth heavyweight title by defeating Gary Cornish. Later that year, he faced his rival Dillian Whyte for the British heavyweight title. After a tough fight, Joshua won by knockout in the seventh round.
Becoming a World Champion
On 9 April 2016, Joshua challenged Charles Martin for the IBF heavyweight world title. Joshua won with a powerful knockout in the second round, becoming a world champion for the first time. He successfully defended his title against Dominic Breazeale and Éric Molina.
Unifying the Division
One of the biggest fights of Joshua's career was against Wladimir Klitschko on 29 April 2017, at a sold-out Wembley Stadium. In a dramatic fight, both boxers were knocked down. Joshua recovered and won by TKO in the eleventh round, unifying the WBA and IBF heavyweight titles.
After Klitschko retired, Joshua defended his titles against Carlos Takam and then faced WBO champion Joseph Parker in a unification bout on 31 March 2018. Joshua won by unanimous decision, adding the WBO title to his collection. This was the first time he had gone the full 12 rounds in a professional fight.
First Professional Loss and Comeback
On 1 June 2019, Joshua made his U.S. debut at Madison Square Garden against Andy Ruiz Jr.. In a stunning upset, Ruiz defeated Joshua by TKO in the seventh round, taking his world titles.
A rematch was held on 7 December 2019, in Saudi Arabia. Joshua changed his strategy, using his boxing skills and movement to outpoint Ruiz. He won a clear unanimous decision, reclaiming his titles and becoming a two-time unified heavyweight world champion.
Losing the Titles Again
Joshua defended his titles against Kubrat Pulev in December 2020, winning by knockout. His next opponent was the undefeated Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk. They fought on 25 September 2021, at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Usyk's skill and speed were too much for Joshua, and Usyk won by unanimous decision, taking the heavyweight titles.
A rematch took place on 20 August 2022, in Saudi Arabia. Joshua fought better but lost again, this time by a split decision.
The Road Back
After his second loss to Usyk, Joshua began his journey back to the top. He won his next four fights, including knockout victories over Robert Helenius and Francis Ngannou.
On 21 September 2024, Joshua challenged Daniel Dubois for the IBF heavyweight title at Wembley Stadium. In a major upset, Dubois won by knockout in the fifth round.
Personal Life
Joshua has said that he enjoys playing chess and reading, which he believes helps him with his boxing strategy. Before becoming a full-time boxer, he worked as a bricklayer. He has a son named Joseph, who was born in 2015.
Joshua has also invested in the Alpine racing team of Formula One.
Images for kids
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Joshua in Dubai, 2017
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Joshua faces Jarrell Miller at their Madison Square Garden press conference in 2019
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Joshua speaks at the press conference announcing his rematch with Andy Ruiz Jr.
See also
In Spanish: Anthony Joshua para niños
