The Rise and What? of Anthony Joshua: A Boxing Journey

Anthony Joshua, a name synonymous with modern heavyweight boxing, has had a career filled with monumental victories, staggering defeats, and unwavering resilience. From his meteoric rise to his recent challenges in the ring, the question remains: what lies ahead for this boxing icon?

Early Life and Introduction to Boxing

Born on October 15, 1989, in Watford, England, Anthony Oluwafemi Olaseni Joshua’s journey was far from typical. Of Nigerian descent, Joshua spent part of his early years in Nigeria before returning to the UK. His upbringing in Watford was tough, and he initially gravitated toward sports like football and track. It wasn’t until 2007, at the age of 18, that Joshua seriously embraced boxing—a decision that would forever alter the course of his life.

Joshua’s introduction to boxing came relatively late, but his natural athleticism and commitment quickly became apparent. He joined Finchley ABC in Barnet, where he developed a reputation for his incredible work ethic. Within a few short years, Joshua began to dominate the amateur scene, culminating in his gold medal victory at the 2012 London Olympics. This win placed him on the radar as one of Britain’s brightest boxing prospects.

Turning Professional: The Meteoric Rise

After turning professional in 2013, Joshua quickly garnered attention for his knockout power and athleticism. His early career was marked by a series of quick victories, often dispatching opponents within the first few rounds. His meteoric rise was cemented when he won the British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles, knocking out veteran Kevin Johnson in 2015, a victory that served as a precursor to bigger things.

Joshua’s first major test came in 2016 when he faced Charles Martin for the IBF World Heavyweight title. In just his 16th professional fight, Joshua knocked out Martin in the second round, announcing himself as a world champion. He followed this victory by defending his title with wins over Dominic Breazeale and Eric Molina.

The Clash of Titans: Joshua vs. Klitschko

Perhaps the most iconic moment of Joshua’s career came in 2017 when he faced legendary heavyweight Wladimir Klitschko at Wembley Stadium. In front of 90,000 fans, Joshua and Klitschko delivered a fight for the ages. Joshua was knocked down in the sixth round but showcased tremendous heart by recovering and ultimately knocking Klitschko down twice in the 11th round, securing a TKO victory.

This win not only solidified Joshua’s status as a global superstar but also marked a turning point in his career. He became the unified heavyweight champion, holding the IBF, WBA, and IBO titles. The fight against Klitschko is widely regarded as one of the greatest heavyweight bouts in history.

The Fall and the Comeback

Despite his success, Joshua’s career has not been without setbacks. In June 2019, he faced Andy Ruiz Jr. in New York—a fight that was supposed to be a routine title defense. However, in one of the biggest upsets in boxing history, Ruiz knocked Joshua down four times, eventually winning via TKO in the seventh round. This loss was a humbling experience for Joshua, but it also revealed his character. Rather than shy away from a rematch, Joshua immediately sought redemption.

In December 2019, in a rematch against Ruiz in Saudi Arabia, Joshua showcased a new, more cautious boxing style, focusing on movement and distance control. This strategic shift paid off as Joshua won via unanimous decision, regaining his heavyweight titles.

Recent Years: The Usyk and Dubois Fights

Joshua’s resurgence was again tested in 2021 when he faced Oleksandr Usyk, the former undisputed cruiserweight champion. Despite being the favourite, Joshua struggled against Usyk’s superior footwork and boxing IQ. In their first fight in September 2021, Usyk dominated the later rounds, defeating Joshua by unanimous decision and taking his heavyweight titles. The rematch in August 2022 saw much of the same, with Usyk once again defeating Joshua by decision.

Following these defeats, Joshua’s career appeared at a crossroads. However, in September 2024, he returned to face Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium. Despite entering the fight as a favourite, Joshua suffered a shocking knockout loss in the fifth round​(

SPORTbible)​(

Evening Standard). Dubois, a younger and rising star in the division, capitalized on Joshua’s vulnerabilities, knocking him down multiple times before securing the victory.

This defeat against Dubois has sparked widespread debate about Joshua’s future. At 34, he remains one of the most recognizable figures in the sport, but with back-to-back losses, many question whether he can return to the pinnacle of heavyweight boxing. Promoter Eddie Hearn has suggested that Joshua is likely to exercise a rematch clause, setting up a potential rematch with Dubois​(

SPORTbible).

The “What” of Anthony Joshua: What’s Next?

So, what’s next for Anthony Joshua? In his own words, Joshua has declared that he is a “fighter for life,” and despite the recent setbacks, he intends to continue his boxing career. Many fans and pundits alike believe Joshua still has the potential to reclaim his titles. However, the heavyweight division is currently stacked with talent, including Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilder, and Oleksandr Usyk, making Joshua’s path back to the top a challenging one.

Promoter Eddie Hearn has expressed confidence in Joshua’s ability to bounce back, suggesting that a rematch with Dubois or a potential clash with Tyson Fury could be on the horizon. Regardless of what happens next, Joshua’s career is far from over​(

Evening Standard). He has shown time and time again that he can rise from adversity, and fans around the world will be eagerly awaiting his next move.

Conclusion: The Legacy of Anthony Joshua

Anthony Joshua’s career has been a rollercoaster ride, filled with thrilling victories and crushing defeats. From his early days as an amateur to his status as a global icon, Joshua has consistently captivated the boxing world. His wins over Klitschko and his rematch victory against Ruiz are legendary moments in the sport, but recent losses to Usyk and Dubois have raised questions about his future.

Yet, Joshua’s story is one of resilience. Whether he can rise again and reclaim his place at the top of the heavyweight division remains to be seen. But one thing is certain—Anthony Joshua will continue to fight, and his journey is far from over.

Sources and Further Reading:

  1. “Anthony Joshua’s next fight has already been decided after a brutal KO defeat to Daniel Dubois” – www.sportbible.com
  2. “Anthony Joshua reveals decision over boxing future after devastating Daniel Dubois defeat” – www.standard.co.uk

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