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Anthony Joshua, also known as AJ, is one of the most dominant heavyweight boxers of his generation.
Here’s what to know about him
Early life & background
- Full Name: Anthony Oluwafemi Olaseni Joshua
- Born: October 15, 1989, in Watford, England
- Heritage: His mother is Nigerian, and his father is of Nigerian and Irish descent.
- Nickname: Friends and family call him “Femi,” a short form of his middle name.
- Athletic talent: Before boxing, he excelled in football and sprinting, breaking his school’s 100m record with a time of 11.6 seconds.
Boxing career & achievements
- Started boxing: At age 18, encouraged by his cousin.
- Olympic Gold Medalist: Won gold in the 2012 London Olympics in the super-heavyweight division.
- Professional debut: Turned pro in 2013 under Matchroom Sport.
- Heavyweight titles: Held the IBF, WBA (Super), WBO, and IBO heavyweight titles at different points in his career.
- First ooss: Suffered his first professional defeat against Andy Ruiz Jr. in June 2019 but reclaimed his titles in a rematch.
- Notable opponents: Has fought elite boxers like Wladimir Klitschko, Joseph Parker, Oleksandr Usyk, and Dillian Whyte.
Personal life & fun facts
- Prison scare: Spent two weeks in Reading Prison in 2009 for fighting and other offenses, which became a turning point in his life.
- Chess enthusiast: Uses chess to sharpen his strategic thinking for boxing.
- Tattoo tribute: Has a tattoo of Africa with Nigeria highlighted, honoring his roots.
- Bricklayer: Before boxing fame, he worked as a bricklayer on construction sites.
Joshua’s journey from a troubled youth to a world champion is nothing short of inspiring.
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