The boxing world is buzzing with anticipation about Anthony Joshua next fight following his devastating knockout victory over Jake Paul in December 2025. Discussions for Anthony Joshua’s next fight are already heating up, with a return potentially slated for February or March of 2026.
With his career at a pivotal crossroads and multiple high-profile options available, understanding Anthony Joshua next fight plans requires looking at the complete picture of who this remarkable athlete is, from his humble beginnings to his current status as one of boxing’s biggest stars.
Quick Facts About Anthony Joshua Next Fight
Full Name: Anthony Oluwafemi Olaseni Joshua
Nickname: AJ
Date of Birth: October 15, 1989
Age: 36 years old
Birthplace: Watford, Hertfordshire, England
Nationality: British (Nigerian heritage)
Profession: Professional Boxer
Zodiac Sign: Libra
Height: 6 feet 6 inches (198 cm)
Weight: Approximately 245-252 pounds (111-114 kg)
Eye Color: Dark Brown
Hair Color: Black
Net Worth: $150 million (as of 2026)
Marital Status: Single
Spouse/Partner: Not married
Children: One son, Joseph Joshua (nicknamed JJ), born in 2015
Social Media: Instagram: @anthonyjoshua (19 million followers)
Early Life and Family Background of Anthony Joshua
Anthony Oluwafemi Olaseni Joshua was born on 15 October 1989 in Watford, Hertfordshire, the son of British Nigerian parents Yeta and Robert Joshua. His story is one of resilience and transformation, shaped by experiences across two continents that would later fuel his determination in the boxing ring.
Joshua’s Nigerian background can be specifically traced back to the Yoruba people, amongst whom he is of aristocratic rank. This heritage has remained a source of pride throughout his career, connecting him to a rich cultural legacy that extends far beyond the boxing ring.
Parents and Siblings
Anthony Joshua’s mother, Yeta Odusanya, has been a constant pillar of support throughout his life and career. Born in Nigeria before settling in the United Kingdom, she raised Anthony primarily after separating from his father when he was young. Joshua has often spoken about the profound influence his mother has had on his life, crediting her with instilling the strong values and discipline that have guided his journey to the top of the boxing world.
His father, Robert Joshua, of Nigerian and Irish descent, played an important role in shaping Anthony’s competitive spirit. Robert was at his son’s stunning loss to Andy Ruiz in 2019 and actually got into a confrontation with Joshua’s promoter after the fight. Despite his parents’ divorce when Anthony was 12 years old, Joshua has maintained a relationship with his father, who has been present at several of his major fights.
Anthony has three siblings: a brother named Jacob and two sisters, Janet and Loretta. The family dynamic has remained important to Joshua, who despite his global fame maintains close ties with his relatives. This connection to family became even more poignant following the recent tragic car accident in Nigeria that deeply affected him.
Childhood and Education
Joshua spent some of his early years in Nigeria as a boarding school student at Mayflower School in Ikenne. This experience exposed him to traditional African values and community life, broadening his perspective and strengthening his connection to his Nigerian roots.
Following his parents’ divorce when he was 12, he returned to the UK halfway through Year Seven to join Kings Langley Secondary School. Growing up on the Meriden Estate in Garston, Hertfordshire, young Anthony was known by the nickname ‘Femi’ among friends and teachers, derived from his middle name Oluwafemi.
During his school years, Joshua demonstrated exceptional athletic ability across multiple sports. He excelled at football and athletics and broke his school’s Year Nine 100 m record with a time of 11.6 seconds. This natural athleticism and physical prowess would later become the foundation of his success in professional boxing.
After secondary school, Joshua briefly studied bricklaying at college, preparing for a trade-based career. He even worked as a bricklayer before boxing changed the trajectory of his life. This working-class background and his willingness to work with his hands has remained part of his authentic public persona.
Early Interests and Inspirations
A latecomer to boxing, Anthony Joshua did not begin training in the sport until he was 18 years old in 2007. His cousin, Ben Lleyemi, took him to the Finchley Amateur Boxing Club in Barnet. This proved to be a turning point as he soon began training as a boxer here. His cousin, Ben Ileyemi, is also a professional boxer, and the two made their professional debuts together in 2013.
Before discovering boxing, Joshua excelled at football and showed promise as an athlete. His early interests also extended to chess, a game he still enjoys, often incorporating its strategic thinking into his boxing style. These varied interests helped develop the well-rounded athlete who would eventually dominate the heavyweight division.
Joshua’s journey was not without challenges. As a teenager, he struggled with direction and faced some difficulties common to many inner-city youths. In 2011, he was arrested for possessing cannabis with intent to supply, which led to a suspension from the British boxing squad and a 12-month community order. Joshua has since expressed deep regret over this period, crediting boxing with helping him turn his life around and providing the structure and discipline he needed.
Career Journey of Anthony Joshua
Humble Beginnings
Anthony Joshua’s entry into professional boxing represents one of the sport’s most remarkable rise-to-stardom stories. Despite starting boxing relatively late at age 18, his amateur career exploded with meteoric speed. Within just two years, he was winning major competitions and establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with in the super-heavyweight division.
Anthony Joshua won the Haringey Boxing Cup for two straight years in 2009 and 2010. His progression through the amateur ranks was nothing short of extraordinary, showing the raw talent and dedication that would define his professional career.
In 2010, he won the senior ABA Championship and was offered $70,000 to turn professional, but Joshua declined, prioritizing his amateur goals. ‘Turning down that £50,000 was easy. I didn’t take up the sport for money, I want to win medals’, he explained at the time. This decision demonstrated the focused mindset that would become a hallmark of his career.
Joshua won the Great Britain Amateur Boxing Championships in 2010 and received the Boxing Writers Club’s Amateur Boxer of the Year award in 2011. He won a silver medal at the 2011 World Championships in the super-heavyweight division, setting the stage for his crowning amateur achievement.
Breakthrough Moment
The defining moment of Anthony Joshua’s amateur career came at the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London. Competing for Great Britain on home soil, Joshua captured the gold medal in the super-heavyweight division. This victory catapulted him into the national spotlight and made him a household name across the United Kingdom. The Olympic triumph also marked the perfect launchpad for his professional career.
Following his Olympic success, Joshua turned professional in 2013 under the Matchroom Sport promotional banner led by Eddie Hearn. He made his professional debut on 5 October 2013 at the O2 Arena in London in the Main-Event of a card featuring Scott Quigg’s successful WBA (Regular) super-bantamweight title defence, beating Italian Emanuele Leo by a technical knockout (TKO) in the first round.
Notable Works and Achievements
Anthony Joshua’s professional career has been defined by spectacular knockouts and championship victories. His first 20 professional fights all ended in knockout victories, establishing him as one of boxing’s most feared punchers. By 2014, just one year into his professional career, he was named Prospect of the Year by The Ring magazine.
In 2015, Joshua won the Commonwealth heavyweight title, followed by the British heavyweight title three months later. These regional championships were merely stepping stones to world glory.
On April 9, 2016, Anthony Joshua became the IBF heavyweight world champion with a second-round knockout victory over Charles Martin. This marked his entry into the elite level of world championship boxing, but his defining moment was yet to come.
Joshua’s match with Klitschko was the most important fight he faced. Klitschko was a boxing royalty who had lost only 3 of his professional matches. On April 29, 2017, at Wembley Stadium in front of 90,000 fans, Joshua faced legendary Ukrainian champion Wladimir Klitschko in a fight for the ages. After being knocked down himself in the sixth round, Joshua demonstrated incredible heart and resilience, eventually stopping Klitschko in the 11th round to retain his IBF title and win the WBA (Super) and IBO heavyweight titles.
This dramatic victory earned Joshua global acclaim and was later named Fight of the Year by The Ring magazine and the Boxing Writers Association of America. It cemented his status as boxing’s biggest star and the face of the heavyweight division.
Joshua successfully defended his titles against Carlos Takam in October 2017, stopping him in the tenth round. In March 2018, he unified the division further by defeating Joseph Parker via unanimous decision to add the WBO heavyweight title to his collection, becoming a three-belt unified champion.
In September 2018, Joshua defended his titles with a seventh-round knockout of Alexander Povetkin, maintaining his dominant position at the top of the heavyweight division.
Career Setbacks and Resilience
June 1, 2019, marked a shocking turn in Joshua’s career. Defending his titles against Andy Ruiz Jr. at Madison Square Garden in New York, Joshua suffered his first professional defeat. Joshua was down again near the end of the round in a huge turnaround. Joshua survived the next few rounds, but after two more knockdowns in the seventh round, the referee stopped the fight, giving Ruiz Jr the win by TKO in the seventh round. The loss stunned the boxing world and stripped Joshua of his heavyweight titles.
However, Joshua demonstrated true championship character in the rematch. On December 7, 2019, in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia, he executed a masterful boxing performance to defeat Ruiz Jr. via unanimous decision, reclaiming his WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO heavyweight titles. His highest career earnings came in December 2019, when he earned an estimated $57.5 million for avenging his loss to Andy Ruiz Jr.
Joshua successfully defended his titles against Kubrat Pulev in December 2020 with a ninth-round knockout. However, his next challenge would prove to be his toughest yet.
In September 2021, Joshua faced Ukrainian southpaw Oleksandr Usyk at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. Usyk, the former undisputed cruiserweight champion, outboxed Joshua over twelve rounds to win via unanimous decision, taking Joshua’s WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO titles.
The rematch took place in August 2022 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Despite an improved performance from Joshua, Usyk retained his belts via split decision. After the announcement of the judges’ scorecards, Joshua threw two of Usyk’s belts out of the ring and started to walk out of the arena, but came back and once in control of the microphone gave an emotional speech. The emotional aftermath showed the pressure and disappointment Joshua felt, though he later apologized for his behavior.
Recent Fights and Current StatusÂ
Following the losses to Usyk, Joshua returned to the ring in 2023 with three consecutive victories. He defeated Jermaine Franklin via unanimous decision in April 2023, marking his first fight with new trainer Derrick James. He then secured a seventh-round knockout victory over Robert Helenius in August 2023, followed by a unanimous decision win over Otto Wallin in December 2023.
In March 2024, Joshua faced former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou in a highly anticipated crossover bout in Saudi Arabia. In March 2024, he banked $50 million for knocking out former UFC champion Francis Ngannou in under five minutes. The devastating second-round knockout reminded everyone of Joshua’s incredible power.
However, on September 21, 2024, Joshua suffered another setback when he challenged IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium. Dubois stopped Joshua in the fifth round, handing him his fourth professional defeat and derailing plans for a potential mega-fight with Tyson Fury.
The Jake Paul Victory
On December 19, 2025, Anthony Joshua returned to the ring to face YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. The fight was broadcast globally on Netflix and drew significant attention due to the crossover appeal and the contrasting backgrounds of both fighters.
Joshua defeated Paul via knockout in the sixth round. Paul was hospitalized after suffering a broken jaw. He required surgery to have two titanium plates fitted and some teeth removed. The victory demonstrated Joshua’s elite power against an opponent who, despite being much less experienced, had built a legitimate boxing career.
While Joshua won convincingly, he acknowledged room for improvement in his post-fight press conference, stating he wished he could have finished Paul earlier. Nonetheless, the victory put him back on track for bigger opportunities in 2026.
Anthony Joshua Record
Anthony Joshua’s professional boxing record currently stands at 29 wins and 4 losses. Of his 29 victories, 26 have come by knockout, giving him an impressive knockout ratio of approximately 90 percent. His four losses have come against Andy Ruiz Jr., Oleksandr Usyk (twice), and Daniel Dubois. Throughout his career, Joshua has faced world-class opposition and competed at the highest level of the sport.
His amateur record was equally impressive, with a reported record of 40 wins and 3 losses before turning professional. The combination of his amateur success, Olympic gold medal, and professional achievements make Anthony Joshua one of the most accomplished British boxers of all time.
Awards and Recognitions
Throughout his career, Anthony Joshua has received numerous accolades and honors. He was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2013 New Year Honours for services to boxing. Later, he was elevated to Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) in December 2018 in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.
His 2017 victory over Wladimir Klitschko was named Fight of the Year by both The Ring magazine and the Boxing Writers Association of America. In 2014, he was named Prospect of the Year by The Ring magazine, recognizing his explosive start to his professional career.
Beyond boxing awards, Joshua has been recognized as one of the world’s most marketable athletes. In 2017, he was ranked as the world’s most marketable athlete, ahead of basketball player Stephen Curry. This recognition speaks to his appeal beyond just his boxing ability, encompassing his personality, story, and business acumen.
Current Projects and Plans
Following his victory over Jake Paul, discussions about Anthony Joshua next fight have intensified. After knocking out Jake Paul, Joshua’s priority is to agree a long-awaited fight against Tyson Fury in 2026. However, before facing Fury, Joshua is expected to take a tune-up fight in early 2026.
Anthony Joshua could fight somebody else before meeting Tyson Fury. Eddie Hearn continued: ‘We have got deep conversations with Turki Alalshikh to fight in February, that could turn into March’. Several opponents have been mentioned as possibilities for this interim bout.
One surprising name that has emerged is Rico Verhoeven, a Dutch kickboxing champion. Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, suggested Verhoeven as a possible opponent for Joshua, according to Eddie Hearn. Verhoeven is a decorated kickboxing champion but has only one professional boxing match on his record from 2014.
Other potential opponents for Anthony Joshua next fight include Arslanbek Makhmudov, a Russian heavyweight contender, and possibly WBO champion Fabio Wardley in a world title fight. Warren confirmed negotiations for the long-awaited fight were taking place and that it would happen “sometime in late summer” in 2026 between Joshua and Fury.
The plan appears to be for Joshua to fight in February or March 2026, followed by the blockbuster showdown with Tyson Fury later in the summer or fall of 2026. This mega-fight between two British heavyweight legends has been years in the making and would represent one of the biggest boxing events in recent history.
For fans searching for information about when is jake paul vs anthony joshua, that fight has already occurred, with Joshua winning by sixth-round knockout on December 19, 2025. The focus now shifts entirely to anthony joshua next fight and the path toward Fury.
Personal Life of Anthony Joshua
Relationships and Dating History
Anthony Joshua has maintained a relatively private personal life despite his global fame. He is known to have had relationships with several women over the years but keeps details about his romantic life largely out of the public eye.
In 2014, it was reported that Joshua was seeing model Cara Delevingne, though the relationship was never officially confirmed. He was also pictured with supermodel Bella Hadid in 2016, sparking dating rumors, but again, nothing materialized into a confirmed long-term relationship.
Joshua has spoken about the challenges of balancing his demanding boxing career with personal relationships. The intense training schedules, frequent travel, and public scrutiny make maintaining a normal dating life difficult for someone at his level of fame.
Marriage Details and Family
Anthony Joshua is not married and has never been married. However, he does have a son who has become an important part of his life and career perspective.
Anthony Joshua welcomed a son, Joseph, in 2015. Joshua has called his son ‘JJ’ since he was born. The mother of his child is Nicole Osbourne, a dance teacher with whom Joshua has had an on-and-off relationship since their school days. Though they are no longer together romantically, they maintain an amicable co-parenting relationship focused on raising their son.
Joshua largely keeps his son out of the public eye, and he told BBC Radio in 2024 that he only rarely talks about boxing with his son and won’t encourage him to become a boxer. Instead, Joshua has expressed that he wants his son to be ‘the best man that he can be’ and has mentioned accountancy as a field he would suggest, emphasizing the importance of understanding numbers.
Joshua has credited the birth of his son with fundamentally changing his perspective on life. The experience of becoming a father gave him a new sense of purpose beyond boxing and made him think more carefully about his legacy and the example he sets.
Children and Parenting Philosophy
Joseph Joshua, or ‘JJ’ as his father calls him, was born in October 2015 and is now 10 years old. Anthony is deeply committed to being a good father while navigating the demands of his boxing career.
Joshua has spoken about how fatherhood taught him to think about the future differently, considering the pitfalls of life and striving to be a better role model. He wants to ensure his son understands values like hard work, discipline, and humility rather than just inheriting wealth and fame.
While Joshua boxes to provide financial security for his family, he emphasizes that boxing has taught him to believe in himself, and he hopes to pass those life lessons on to his son through actions rather than words.
Hobbies and Interests Outside Work
Outside of boxing, Anthony Joshua has several interests that help him maintain balance in his life. He is known to be a talented artist and enjoys painting in his spare time, finding it to be a relaxing and creative outlet that contrasts with the physical intensity of boxing.
Joshua is also passionate about chess and often incorporates strategic thinking from the game into his boxing approach. The mental discipline required for chess translates well to the tactical aspects of boxing, and Joshua has spoken about how the game helps him think several moves ahead in the ring.
Cooking is another passion of Joshua’s. He enjoys preparing meals for friends and family and has been known to whip up delicious dishes whenever he gets the chance. This grounded hobby keeps him connected to everyday life despite his superstar status.
As previously mentioned, Joshua was an exceptional athlete in multiple sports before focusing on boxing. Football was a major interest during his youth, and he remains a passionate supporter of his hometown team Watford FC. He has also expressed admiration for Real Madrid, particularly due to Cristiano Ronaldo during the Portuguese star’s time at the club.
Joshua is also a Christian and has spoken about how his faith provides guidance and perspective throughout his career. He is proud of his Nigerian heritage and frequently visits Nigeria to maintain connections with his roots and extended family. Tragically, it was during one such visit in December 2025 that he was involved in a serious car accident that claimed the lives of two close friends.
Net Worth and Lifestyle of Anthony Joshua
Anthony Joshua Net Worth
Anthony Joshua is a British professional boxer with a net worth of $150 million. This substantial fortune places him among the wealthiest boxers in history, ranking seventh on the list of richest boxers of all time according to Celebrity Net Worth.
The Times reported in June 2025 that Joshua’s wealth stood at £195 million (approximately $250 million), though most estimates settle around the $150-175 million range as of early 2026. Regardless of the exact figure, Anthony Joshua net worth reflects over a decade of elite-level competition, massive pay-per-view draws, and smart business decisions.
Income Sources
Anthony Joshua’s income comes from multiple streams, with boxing purses forming the foundation of his wealth. Anthony Joshua has been one of the highest-paid boxers in the world for more than a decade. Known for his ability to fill stadiums and deliver lucrative rematches, Joshua has repeatedly commanded eight-figure purses, particularly in Saudi Arabia, where three of his biggest paydays took place.
His biggest single payday came from the Andy Ruiz Jr. rematch, where he earned approximately $57.5 million. His fight against Francis Ngannou in 2024 netted him $50 million for less than five minutes of work. The rematch with Oleksandr Usyk in 2022 earned him $40.6 million despite the loss. His recent fight with Jake Paul reportedly guaranteed both fighters around $94 million each from a combined purse near $187 million.
Beyond boxing purses, Joshua earns significant income from endorsement deals. He has partnerships with major global brands including Under Armour, Beats By Dre, Lucozade, Hugo Boss, EA Sports, William Hill, and others. According to Forbes, he earns around $8 million annually from endorsements alone.
Joshua also has substantial business investments through his company, 258 MGT (named after the Meriden Estate where he grew up). He holds equity shares in DAZN, the sports streaming platform, and the Alpine F1 racing team. These investments demonstrate his commitment to building wealth that extends beyond his boxing career.
Houses, Cars, and Luxury Items
Anthony Joshua has made substantial real estate investments in recent years. Joshua dropped around $39.62 million to acquire a property in Hertfordshire, Kent, United Kingdom, which was previously the headquarters for oil giant BP. The area consists of over 1300 parking spaces and numerous blue-chip firms.
He also spent over $33 million to buy a mixed-use block in Bond Street, one of the most lucrative areas in Central London. Additionally, Joshua spent $26.14 million on a 6,300 square feet property in Bond Street, with the exact address being 12-16 Dering Street. This property is within 100 meters of the Bond Street Underground station, one of the most well-connected locations in London.
Joshua owns two luxurious homes in north London valued at $5.2 million combined. He has a personal connection to this area, having bought his mother a home in the Golders Green neighborhood back in 2017, demonstrating his commitment to taking care of his family.
While Joshua is known to drive luxury vehicles, he keeps details about his car collection relatively private. He has been seen in various high-end vehicles over the years but doesn’t publicly flaunt his automotive assets. The recent car accident in Nigeria, however, revealed that he travels with security and in premium vehicles, as the crash involved a Lexus LX570 SUV.
Joshua’s lifestyle reflects success but also groundedness. Despite his wealth, he maintains connections to his working-class roots and is known for being approachable and humble in public interactions. He has spoken about wanting to build generational wealth and has expressed ambitions to eventually become a billionaire, following in the footsteps of boxing legends like Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Brand Collaborations
Joshua is recognised as one of the most marketable athletes in the world, and has lucrative endorsement deals with numerous brands, including Under Armour, Beats By Dre, and Lucozade. His appeal extends beyond the boxing ring, as brands value his positive public image, inspirational story, and massive social media following.
The Under Armour partnership has been particularly prominent, with Joshua serving as a global ambassador for the brand and featuring in major advertising campaigns. His Beats By Dre endorsement taps into his appeal among younger demographics who appreciate both boxing and music culture.
Joshua’s collaboration with Lucozade, a popular sports drink in the UK, leverages his athletic performance and training regimen. He has also worked with electronic giant JD Sports, automotive brands like Jaguar, and numerous other companies seeking to associate with his winner’s image.
His business company, 258 MGT, not only manages his personal brand but also works with other athletes and helps develop grassroots sports organizations. This demonstrates Joshua’s commitment to giving back and building a legacy that extends beyond his personal success.
Social Media Presence of Anthony Joshua
Instagram and Follower Count
Anthony Joshua’s Instagram account @anthonyjoshua has 19M Followers, making him one of the most followed active boxers in the world. His social media presence has grown substantially over the years, particularly following major victories like his win over Wladimir Klitschko, which added nearly a million new followers almost overnight.
Joshua’s Instagram feed features a mix of training content, fight announcements, personal moments, motivational quotes, and glimpses into his life outside boxing. He maintains an authentic connection with his audience, sharing both his triumphs and setbacks in a way that resonates with fans worldwide.
His posts regularly receive hundreds of thousands of likes and thousands of comments, demonstrating the high level of engagement his audience has with his content. The engagement rate on his account has been calculated at approximately 0.29 percent, which translates to an average of 47,000 likes per post.
Twitter/X Profile
Anthony Joshua also maintains an active presence on Twitter (now X), though specific follower counts are less publicized than his Instagram numbers. On Twitter, he shares updates about his training, upcoming fights, and occasionally engages in interactions with other fighters, promoters, and fans.
The platform has seen some memorable moments from Joshua, including call-outs to potential opponents and responses to critics. However, he generally maintains a professional tone and avoids the dramatic feuds that sometimes characterize boxing social media.
YouTube and Other Platforms
While Anthony Joshua doesn’t have a personal YouTube channel as prolific as some modern athletes, his fights and training content appear on various official channels including Matchroom Boxing, DAZN, and his management company’s channels. Video content featuring Joshua garners millions of views, particularly footage from his major fights.
Joshua’s presence on TikTok and other emerging platforms is less prominent, as he tends to focus his social media energy on Instagram and Twitter where his core fanbase is most active. However, content featuring him frequently goes viral across all platforms, particularly knockout highlights and training videos.
Fan Interaction
Anthony Joshua is known for being accessible and gracious with fans despite his superstar status. He regularly responds to comments on his social media posts, participates in Q&A sessions, and shares fan art and messages of support.
The recent tragic events following his car accident in Nigeria saw an outpouring of support from fans worldwide on his social media platforms. When he returned to Instagram after the accident, posting a picture with the families of his deceased friends, the response demonstrated the genuine concern and affection his fanbase has for him beyond just his boxing achievements.
Controversies and Public ImageÂ
Major Controversies
Anthony Joshua has maintained a largely positive public image throughout his career, but he has faced some controversies and challenging moments that have tested his character and public standing.
The most significant controversy from Joshua’s past occurred before he became a boxing star. In 2011, he was arrested for possessing cannabis with intent to supply, which led to a suspension from the British boxing squad and a 12-month community order. This incident threatened to derail his boxing career before it truly began.
However, Joshua has been transparent about this mistake, expressing deep regret and crediting boxing with helping him turn his life around. He has used his experience as a cautionary tale, speaking to young people about making better choices and the importance of having positive outlets and role models. This honesty and accountability has actually enhanced his reputation rather than damaged it long-term.
The most recent and publicized controversy involved Joshua’s behavior following his second loss to Oleksandr Usyk in August 2022. After a split decision defeat, Joshua displayed frustration by throwing two of Usyk’s championship belts out of the ring before storming toward the exit. He then returned to the ring and took the microphone, delivering an impassioned and expletive-laden speech that many viewed as unsportsmanlike.
In the speech, Joshua spoke about his difficult journey, criticized those who didn’t give him opportunities in his amateur career, and made comments that were seen as somewhat erratic. He was later recorded backstage in a confrontation with a bystander, yelling profanities. During the post-fight press conference, he broke down in tears, showing the emotional toll the defeat had taken.
Joshua later apologized for his post-fight behavior, explaining that the immense pressure and disappointment of the moment got the better of him. He acknowledged that his reaction was inappropriate and not representative of the sportsmanship values he tries to embody. The boxing community largely accepted his apology, recognizing the human element of dealing with crushing disappointment at the highest level of competition.
Tragic Car Accident
On December 29, 2025, Joshua was injured in a car crash in Nigeria on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, near the Sinoma area close to Sagamu in Ogun State, while travelling as a passenger in a Lexus LX570. This incident marked one of the most difficult periods in Joshua’s life.
The collision resulted in the deaths of two people, later identified as his personal trainer Latif “Latz” Ayodele and his strength and conditioning coach Sina Ghami, both of whom were also close friends of Joshua. The tragedy shocked the boxing world and prompted an outpouring of support for Joshua and the families of the deceased.
After leaving the hospital on Wednesday, Joshua and his mother paid their respects at the funeral home where the bodies of his friends were being prepared for repatriation. The images of Joshua visiting the bereaved families touched people worldwide, showing his character during one of the most painful moments of his life.
The driver of the vehicle, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, was later charged by Nigerian police with reckless and dangerous driving, driving without a valid driver’s license, and causing death by dangerous driving. Joshua cooperated fully with authorities during the investigation.
His promoter Eddie Hearn paid tribute on Instagram, writing about the two victims’ energy, loyalty, and positive qualities, expressing prayers for their families and for Joshua during this difficult time. Jake Paul, despite their recent fight, also tweeted his support, noting that life is much more important than boxing.
Joshua has issued his first public update following a car crash in Nigeria which injured him and killed two of his close friends and team members. He has flown back to the UK ahead of the funerals.
Fun Facts About Anthony Joshua
Early Life & Career Anthony Joshua was born on October 15, 1989, in Watford, England. Before becoming a professional boxer, he actually got into trouble with the law – he was arrested in 2011 for possession of cannabis, which became a turning point that led him to focus seriously on boxing. He only took up boxing at age 18, which is considered quite late for someone who would go on to achieve such success at the elite level.
Olympic Glory Joshua won Olympic gold at the 2012 London Olympics in the super-heavyweight division, defeating Italy’s Roberto Cammarelle in the final. This victory made him a household name in the UK and set the stage for his professional career.
Professional Success He turned professional in 2013 and had a meteoric rise, winning his first 20 fights (all by knockout). Joshua became a two-time unified heavyweight world champion, holding the WBA, IBF, WBO, and IBO titles at various points. At 6’6″ (198 cm) tall, he combines impressive size with athleticism and power.
Outside the Ring Joshua is known for his humility and professionalism despite his fame. He has a son named Joseph and keeps his personal life relatively private. He’s also involved in various business ventures and charity work. Interestingly, he still lives relatively modestly despite his wealth and fame, often speaking about staying grounded.
Conclusion
Anthony Joshua represents a remarkable redemption and success story in modern boxing. From a troubled youth to Olympic champion to multi-time world heavyweight champion, his journey exemplifies dedication and transformation. While he’s faced setbacks in recent years with losses to Andy Ruiz Jr., Oleksandr Usyk, and Daniel Dubois, his impact on British boxing and the heavyweight division has been undeniable. Joshua brought mainstream attention back to heavyweight boxing and inspired a new generation of British boxers with his professionalism both in and out of the ring.
