ANTHONY JOSHUA has his heavyweight belts back – and Tyson Fury in his sights.
The Brit superstar beat Andy Ruiz Jr in an epic rematch back in December 2019, taking a unanimous decision after a dominating performance in the desert.
Joshua took back the belts he lost to Ruiz in their original June 2019 meetingCredit: PA:Press Association
Now he’s agreed a unification showdown with the Gypsy King, who beat Deontay Wilder to take the WBC crown earlier this year.
What is Joshua’s net worth?
Joshua is thought to have pocketed £15million alone from his Wembley super-fight with Wladimir Klitschko in 2017.
His world title fight against Joseph Parker saw him earn an extra £13m, while the Brit took home an incredible £45m after that huge 2019 win over Ruiz.
Some experts have claimed his earning potential is bigger than that of Floyd Mayweather.
As of 2020, his net worth according to the Sunday Times is estimated to be £107m.
His bout next year with Fury could net the pair an incredible £150m and is expected to be the most lucrative in history.
That figure takes into account the purse, pay-per-view purchases, gate receipts and sponsors.
Joshua rose to fame at the 2012 OlympicsCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
What are Anthony Joshua’s career highlights?
Joshua went into the London 2012 Olympics as a world silver medallist.
In the final he won Olympic gold against reigning champion Roberto Cammarelle on a countback after drawing on points (18-18).
Since turning professional in July 2013, when he signed a deal with Matchroom Boxing, his record now stands at 23-1.
Joshua won the British heavyweight title in 2015 after knocking out Dillian Whyte in the 7th round.
And in April 2016 he knocked out Charles Martin in the second to clinch the IBF heavyweight championship, which he still holds today.
Then, in front 90,000 people at Wembley Stadium – the biggest post-war British crowd – Joshua climbed off the canvas to stop Wladimir Klitschko in the 11th round of an absolute classic.
He beat the Ukrainian legend to collect the WBA and IBO titles, before adding the WBO belt to his collection in the victory over Parker in March.
Shock defeat to Ruiz Jr was a setback in June 2019, but AJ returned with a bang later in the year to reclaim the WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO titles.
Joshua beat Joseph Parker to add the WBO title to his collectionCredit: REUTERS
When did Joshua make his debut?
AJ made his debut just three months after turning professional, and amid huge fanfare, he destroyed his opponent.
Italian Emanuele Leo lasted just 2mins 47secs of the fight at the O2 Arena London, before referee Ian John Lewis waved the fight off.
To be fair to Leo, he actually lasted longer than some of Joshua’s other opponents who have hit the canvas early doors.
Joshua has beaten five boxers inside the first round, only going the distance once – against New Zealand’s Parker.
Who is he dating?
According to Joshua himself, he doesn’t have a lot of time for girlfriends, and may not see himself settling down until his boxing career is over.
“If people can ride with me for the next 10 to 12 years I would really appreciate it, but if they can’t foresee the future I’d rather they jump off the boat because I can’t stop for no one right now,” he told the Evening Standard.
“I was speaking to my coach, who worked with Carl Froch who had a 12-year career. One day it does finish and now he has all the time in the world to think about business, family.”
Anthony Joshua has a son, Joseph, from a previous relationshipCredit: Instagram @anthony_joshua
Anthony Joshua’s next opponent Andy Ruiz showcases lighting speed on the pads
Who is Anthony Joshua and where did he grow up?
Anthony Joshua was born in Watford to Nigerian parents in 1989.
He spent some of his early years in Nigeria, before returning to Watford half way through Year 7 and attending Kings Langley Secondary School.
Called ‘Femi’ by his friends and former teachers, due to his middle name ‘Oluwafemi’, Joshua excelled at football and athletics, running the 100m in just 11.6 seconds when he was in Year 9.
He began boxing in 2007, aged 18.
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
