Anthony Joshua (29-4, 27 KOs) has enjoyed a memorable career, which was preceded by winning Olympic heavyweight gold at the 2012 games in London. AJ has recorded many great wins while suffering damaging defeats. His last fight came against Jake Paul, a bout he won by stoppage as expected.
His defeat to Daniel Dubois was damaging. AJ was also involved in a fatal car crash that took the lives of his close friends Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele. That tragic incident left not only his boxing career in doubt, but also his long-term health. AJ’s recent years could pass for a Hollywood film script, and the chapter titled comeback happened on July 25 against the unknown, heavy-handed Albanian Kristian Prenga. As we build up to Joshua’s comeback, we take a look at his fight record, career, and boxing legacy.
Anthony Joshua: Pre Charles Martin
Before Anthony Joshua won his first world title, the IBF strap against Charles Martin on April 9, 2016, there were plenty of highlights for Joshua as he steamrolled his way up the rankings. His professional debut came against unbeaten Italian Emanuele Leo, with Joshua blowing him away in the first round. It was routine KO’s aplenty early on; Joshua faced the experienced Denis Bakhtov, whom the Brit blasted away in the second round.
Early KO’s followed in every fight until Joshua was pitted against Dillian Whyte, who had defeated AJ in the amateurs. There was no love lost between these two in the build-up, and it seeped through into the fight itself. Whyte dragged AJ into his fight, but ultimately Joshua’s class shone through as he stopped Whyte in round seven.
Anthony Joshua vs Wladimir Klitschko
After defending his IBF crown in a series of routine title defences, AJ faced Ukrainian legend Wladimir Klitschko at Wembley Stadium. The Brit floored Klitschko in round five, which prompted the Ukrainian to rally and floor Joshua in the sixth round. Following these two knockdowns, the fight was cagey, with both wary of each other’s power.
Joshua appeared to gain a second wind in the eleventh, knocking Klitschko down twice and landing a devastating uppercut, which rocked the Ukrainian. Joshua soon landed a barrage of punches, prompting the referee to step in and wave the fight off, awarding Joshua an historic eleventh-round TKO win.
The journey of Anthony Joshua
Joshua remained undefeated until he faced late replacement Andy Ruiz at Madison Square Garden, where he was sensationally stopped and dethroned as the unified king of the heavyweight division. Full credit to AJ and his team for facing Ruiz again, in Saudi Arabia six months later, winning a wide unanimous decision.
Two defeats to Oleksandr Usyk and a crushing loss against Daniel Dubois followed in the years to come. Joshua also recorded impressive wins against the likes of Otto Wallin and Francis Ngannou before stopping Jake Paul.
It remains to be seen what Joshua has left, but we should get a big idea on July 25 whether Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Furyis on the cards, or consigned to the scrap heap once again.
Whatever happens next, Joshua’s legacy in British boxing and world boxing is secure. He has carried the sport on his back at times, sold out arenas, and dazzled us with his power. Many will say, ‘the only thing missing is a fight against Tyson Fury.’
Featured Image Credit:
Photo Credit: Esther Lin / Most Valuable Promotions