10 Unknown Facts About Anthony Joshua

Nigeria Tattoo
Anthony Oluwafemi Olaseni Joshua was born in Watford, Hertfordshire to a Nigerian mother and father. He grew up for much of  his early years in Nigeria before returning to UK. The Super Heavyweight champion has a tattoo on his right upper arm of Africa with Nigeria outline


Day Job
Before rising to Olympic and professional boxing fame, Joshua worked on construction sites as a bricklayer

Late Career
Joshua was a late bloomer in boxing as he was only persuaded to try boxing by his cousin Ben Ileyemi in 2007. Five years later he won the gold medal at London 2012 Olympics.

Drug Dealing Arrest
During the build-up to the London Olympics, Joshua was arrested for possessing cannabis with the intent to supply. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to a 12-month community order and 100 hours unpaid work.

Olympic Gold Medalist
Joshua received the super heavyweight gold medal in August 2012 after beating 32 year-old reigning Olympic Champion Roberto Cammarelle of Italy


Golden Post Box
To commemorate his victory in the 2012 Olympics, the Royal Mail painted a post box gold in Joshua's hometown of Watford.

New Year's Honour
In 2013, Joshua was awarded a Most Excellent Order of British Empire(MBE) in the Qeen's New Year's Honours. The heavyweight champion received the honour for his services to boxing.

Chess Player
Known for his tactical prowess, Joshua claims that he plays chess and reads in order to help him develop his tactical side of his game

Turned Down Turning Pro
In 2010, hours after winning the ABA title in York Hall, London, Joshua turned down a staggering 50,000 pounds  to turn professional. Joshua said at that time:'Turning down that 50,000 was easy

Professional Boxing Record
Joshua has lost only one out his 24 professional fights. The loss comes from his title defense with a relatively unknown Andy Ruiz Jr. This is considered to be one of the greatest upsets in boxing history. He reclaimed the title from Andy Ruiz Jr in the rematch, latter in the same year. AJ has won 21 fights by either technical or straight knock-out and 2 by unanimous decision.