Anthony Joshua is one of the most well-known and successful professional boxers of recent times. The British boxer has won multiple world titles and accolades, but his career didn’t start at the professional level.
Before he became a professional, Joshua had a highly successful amateur boxing career that helped him hone his skills and prepare for the world stage. His most famous accolade is, of course, his Olympic gold medal won in front of a home crowd at London 2012, but he first had to overcome obstacles both in and outside of the ring.
Early Life and Introduction to Boxing
Anthony Joshua was born in Watford on 15 October 1989. He grew up in a tough neighbourhood in North London and got into boxing as a way to stay out of trouble.
Joshua was introduced to boxing at the age of 18 by his cousin and fellow boxer Ben Lleyemi. Joshua started training at Finchley Amateur Boxing Club in North London, and it quickly became apparent that he had a natural talent and potential as a boxer.
Amateur Boxing Career
Joshua’s amateur career began in 2008, and he quickly rose through the ranks, winning his first fight by knockout in the first round. He won his first title in 2009, winning the Haringey Box Cup. In 2010, he won the ABA Heavyweight Championship, the most prestigious amateur boxing title in England. He followed this up by winning the same title in 2011, becoming only the second boxer after Joe Joyce to win back-to-back ABA Heavyweight Championships.
In 2011, Joshua also won a silver medal at the World Amateur Boxing Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan. This was a significant achievement for the young boxer, who had only been boxing for a few years. He was also the first British boxer to win a medal at the World Championships since 2001.
The following year, Joshua competed in the 2012 Olympics in London, representing Great Britain. He was considered one of the favourites to win a medal, and he did not disappoint. Joshua won the gold medal in the super heavyweight division, beating Roberto Cammarelle of Italy in the final. This was a historic moment for British boxing, as Joshua became the first British boxer to win Olympic gold in the super heavyweight division.
Joshua’s amateur career came to an end after the Olympics, as he decided to turn professional. In total, he had 43 fights as an amateur, winning 40 of them, with 32 of those victories coming by knockout. His amateur record is even more impressive when you consider that he only started boxing a few years before his first fight.
What Made Anthony Joshua so Successful?
There are several reasons why Joshua was so successful as an amateur boxer. Firstly, he had a natural talent and athleticism. He was strong, fast, and had excellent footwork, which allowed him to move around the ring with ease. He also had a powerful punch, which meant he could knock out opponents with a single blow.
However, Joshua’s success was not just down to his physical attributes. He was also a highly dedicated and disciplined athlete. He trained rigorously, often twice a day, and was committed to improving his skills and technique. He was also a highly strategic boxer, with a keen ability to read his opponents and adapt his style accordingly.
Another key factor in Joshua’s success was his mental toughness. Boxing is a gruelling sport, both physically and mentally, and it takes a lot of mental strength to succeed at the highest level. Joshua was able to stay focused and composed in the ring, even when facing tough opponents or difficult situations.
Anthony Joshua’s amateur boxing career was the foundation for his success as a professional boxer. His natural talent, dedication, and mental toughness allowed him to become one of the most successful amateur boxers of his generation. His Olympic gold medal was a historic moment for British boxing, and it set the stage for his rise to the top of the professional ranks.