ANTHONY Joshua has been put through his paces ahead of Saturday’s big fight – by going 12 rounds with the Great British public.
Boxing hero AJ, 34, took time out from training for his showdown in Saudi Arabia with Otto Wallin to answer 12 questions from fans – thanks to The Sun.
We visited his home town Watford and asked his most devoted fans to ask their hero any question they wanted.
And they came up with some absolute crackers.
There were a couple of tense moments – like when a cheeky lad asked when the 6ft 6in powerhouse would finally ‘man up’ and fight Tyson Fury.
But also some heart-warming questions when he recognised old faces and friends from his childhood on the Meriden Estate.
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One former neighbour asked if ‘Femi’ – AJ’s childhood nickname – had finally stopped causing trouble around the estate.
Even with the weight of the world on his broad tattooed shoulders, the national treasure smiled as he spotted old pals, and even arranged a drink back at his favourite pub The Badger.
ALF, 32
Did you used to eat at the fish and chip shop on the Meriden Estate?
AJ: Yeah I did actually. Donald used to run the fish and chip shop and my sister even used to work in there, so I used to get a lot of free fish and chips.
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I remember back in the day when fish and chips was about 50p, so would go a long way to feed a big family.
OLIVER, 52
When are you going to become a champion again?
AJ: I am a champion at heart and a champion forever. With or without the belts I remain a champion.
JIMMY, 18
We met here in Watford once and I am a fan, but when are you going to man up and fight Tyson Fury?
AJ: At the minute he is the reigning champ so the ball is in his court.
As a challenger I will be ready.
I will stay ready and as soon as he is available I will be ready.
REECE, 23
How much money do you make per fight, that’s what I really want to know? Like how much money do you actually make?
AJ: It depends really, it depends where the fight is happening. Boxing can be lucrative if you are smart at what you do.
Boxing is a business – don’t let anyone ever tell you otherwise.
Boxing can be good if you’re smart.
SCOTT, 22
AJ what is the best part of Watford and what keeps you coming back?
AJ: Good question, the best part of Watford me is Meriden because it is where I grew up and where I feel comfortable.
Home is where the heart is and that is home.
It’s not for everyone but it is for me.
Meriden, if you’re ever in Watford, pop down there and you’ll be welcomed with open arms.
JENNY, 62
Femi, how are you doing, still hanging around the Meriden causing havoc? Keep well and try to support Watford football club please.
AJ: I know who she is!
I am still around Meriden but I am not causing as much trouble anymore.
I am more level headed now, more mature.
I don’t really follow football but if I did have a team it would be Watford.
KATIE, 22, and LIZZIE, 18
When did you know boxing was what you wanted to pursue and when did you know you had gotten good at it?
AJ: I wanted to pursue boxing when I was 18.
I was inspired by Mike Tyson.
I feel like its good to find something that inspires you, as a youth.
You don’t even have to be good at it, at the start, you can make leaps and bounds forwards.
I wanted to progress because I was inspired by the stories of other fighters and I am definitely getting better?
Am I good? I will leave that to you to decide.
VERONICA, 61
What’s your favourite meal?
AJ: My favourite meal would probably be pasta bake and then warm brownies and ice cream.
SAMMY, 17
Do you want to come around my house next Thursday and play Fifa with my mum?
AJ: Well it’s not a bad shout! But I better give it a miss.
You know how it is these days, Fifa always leads to something else and, all of a sudden, my name is all over the papers.
I will steer clear of that, I will stay focused. But your mum is more than welcome to come down the gym.
ASHLEY, 17
Where do you see yourself in five years, career wise and family wise?
AJ: I am just living for today. I don’t think too far ahead because, who knows what’s around the corner.
You just have to stay focused on the now, because that’s all there is. I am just focused on today.
MILLIE, 25
What is your favourite shop?
AJ: I don’t even really go shopping but my favourite place is my little local gym for a quick sauna and steam and a chill.
I like Under Armour, if I was to go shopping it would be Under Armour.
STEVE, 65
My son Christopher wants to know when you’re buying him a pint because, since you’ve made it big time, he doesn’t see you any more?
AJ: Yeah I know Chris, tell him to get down The Badger and we will have a good catch-up.
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He is more than welcome down anytime!
I hope Chris is well.
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Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
