Anthony Joshua the British professional boxer born on October 15, 1989, in Watford, Hertfordshire, England. And two-time unified heavyweight champion. Admitted on Friday that he “plateaued” after becoming world heavyweight champion as the British born boxer aims to get his career back on track against Jermaine Franklin on Saturday in London. Retirement followed the former Olympic champion around for a while since consecutive losses to Oleksandr Usyk, the last defeat came in August 2022.
The fight with Franklin at the O2 Arena will be Joshua’s first match without a world title on the line since 2015. But he believes he has realized another level after outdoing himself with training in Dallas over the winter with new trainer Derrick James. Who is helping him return to his best.
“I got to a certain level but I plateaued there and now i realize that if I want to achieve again, I’ve got to elevate to another level. I’ve just found out that what I thought was good enough, wasn’t and sacrifice is not a bad thing because throughout this struggle I’ve had to take myself through I’ve actually found potentially better than what I had before” said Joshua after weighing in at a career-high 18st 3lbs (116 kg) on Friday.
Joshua’s sacrifice has stretched to even staying away from his family. Including his seven-year-old son, since arriving back in the UK two weeks ago.
“I haven’t seen them yet. I feel, no matter how much training you’ve done in camp. You could potentially let your opponent catch up by slipping in the last week or so,” Joshua added.
“I’ve kept it disciplined up until now and I will until fight night.
“Being further away has been better, being home is harder.”
Joshua who began boxing at the age of 18 and quickly gained recognition in the sport. When he won a gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics in the super-heavyweight category, which launched his professional career.
In 2013, Joshua made his professional debut and quickly became a rising star in the heavyweight division. He won his first 22 fights, all by knockout. Before suffering his first loss to Andy Ruiz Jr. in June 2019. However, Joshua reclaimed his titles in a rematch with Ruiz in December of the same year.
Joshua has faced some of the best heavyweights in the world, including Wladimir Klitschko, Joseph Parker, and Kubrat Pulev. He has a record of 24 wins (22 by KO) and two losses.
Outside of the ring, Joshua is known for his philanthropic work. Which include supporting various charities and organizations in the UK and Nigeria, where his parents are from.
