Nigerian Boxer Becomes British Heavyweight Champion

2 Min Read

Anthony Oluwafemi Joshua is known for his powerful uppercut. Having mastered the art of boxing after a stint as a bricklayer, he knows how to analyse his opponents and lay each blow carefully.

Last year at the age of 25, he was awarded MBE (Member of the British Empire) for services to boxing.

Joshua or AJ is not just your average run on the mill boxer, he won a gold medal for Britain in the 2012 London Olympics.

Joshua was born in Watford , England to a Nigerian mother and a British father of Nigerian and Irish descent.

Joshua only began boxing in 2007, aged 18, when his cousin suggested he take it up.

In an interview, he once stated that he didn’t take up sports for the money, he took up sports because he wanted to win medals.

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.

Joshua made his professional debut on 5 October 2013 at the O2 Arena in London beating Italian Emanuelue Leo by a TKO in the first round.

On 12 September 2015, Joshua won the vacant Commonwealth Heavyweight title by stopping Gary Cornish in the first round at the O2 Arena.

Joshua defeated Dillian Whyte who challenged him for the vacant British Heavyweight title on 12 December 2015.

Joshua has an interest in chess as well as reading as a way to reinforce his Watfordand tactical abilities.

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