Anthony Joshua: The Olympic Gold Champion Who Ruled the Heavyweight Spotlight

Anthony Oluwafemi Olaseni Joshua

Anthony Joshua (often called AJ) is a British professional boxer of Nigerian (Yoruba) heritage and one of the biggest heavyweight stars of his generation. He rose from a late start in boxing to win Olympic gold at London 2012, then became a two time unified heavyweight world champion in the professional ranks, known for his power, athleticism, and big fight presence.

Early life and background

Anthony Oluwafemi Olaseni Joshua was born on October 15, 1989, in Watford, Hertfordshire, England, to British Nigerian parents. He spent part of his childhood in Nigeria (including schooling in Ikenne) before returning to the UK, where he grew up and developed in sports like athletics before boxing fully took over his life.

Amateur rise and Olympic breakthrough

Joshua began boxing relatively late (as a teenager), but his progress was rapid. He won major amateur honors and became a Team GB standout, then reached a career-defining moment at the 2012 London Olympics, where he won super heavyweight gold, instantly turning into a national sports name and a future pro superstar.

Professional career and world titles

Turning professional in 2013, Joshua climbed quickly through the heavyweight division and became a headline attraction. He won his first world title (IBF) in 2016, then unified belts in the following years, building a reputation for delivering major stadium fights.

His career has also included setbacks and comebacks—most famously losing his titles to Andy Ruiz Jr. in 2019 before regaining them later that year, and later losing his unified reign to Oleksandr Usyk (2021) and again in the rematch (2022).

Style and public image

Joshua fights orthodox and is known for sharp fundamentals, explosive combinations, and knockout power. Outside the ring, he became one of boxing’s most marketable athletes, helping drive heavyweight boxing back into mainstream global pop culture.

Record

As listed by ESPN, Anthony Joshua’s professional record is 29 wins, 4 losses, with 26 wins by knockout.