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      Anthony Joshua knows another banana skin loss will lose him mega-millions so expect a cautious fight vs Kubrat Pulev

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      YOU have to be pretty clumsy to slip on a banana skin.
      Yet that’s exactly what Anthony Joshua did  in New York 18 months ago and it cost him his world heavyweight titles.

      Anthony Joshua will be cautious against Kubrat Pulev as he looks to avoid a repeat of his infamous loss to Andy Ruiz JrCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Because he wasn’t looking where he was going in the Madison Square Garden ring, Andy Ruiz Jr — a 25-1 roly-poly no-hoper — floored him four times before stopping him in the seventh round.
      So far it’s the biggest boxing upset we have seen this century.
      At least AJ redeemed himself by regaining his WBA, IBF and WBO belts with an ultra- cautious points win in the rematch with Ruiz in Saudi Arabia six months later.
      Joshua, 31, is well aware he daren’t risk the embarrassment of treading on anything else slippery when he defends against bulky Bulgarian mandatory challenger Kubrat Pulev at Wembley Arena, tomorrow night.

      If he should get careless and suffer another disastrous defeat he can kiss goodbye to the mega-millions he would earn in a unification domestic dust-up with WBC champion Tyson Fury the nation has set its heart on seeing in the spring.
      Pulev is a far more accomplished all-round fighter than Ruiz but Joshua is still an overwhelming 1-8  favourite expected to pulverise Pulev with a flourish.
      And Pulev is far from an easy touch and he is certainly not a Sofia-softy. He is a  typical dour plodding product of the Eastern European coaching system.
      He is teak-tough, uncompromising and technically correct.

      But watching him in action is about as exhilarating as an evening on the town with gloomy Covid-19 scientists  Professor Chris Whitty  and Sir Patrick Vallance.
      Cagey Kubrat has a good defence and has lost just one of his 29 fights.
      That was six years and eight winning fights ago, when Wladimir Klitschko put him down three times before knocking him out in the fifth round.
      Pulev, remarkably fit for a man in his 40th year, was an accomplished medal-winning amateur and he did not bother to turn pro until he was 28.
      There is nothing in his record to suggest Joshua has any cause for concern.
      He just managed to get home with a split points decision over Derek Chisora when they met in Hamburg in 2016.
      Joshua is very much faster than Chisora and carries tremendous power in both hands.
      His 1,000 fans allowed at ringside will no doubt be very disappointed if he does not KO Pulev.

      Dereck Chisora discovered Pulev is not a man to be underestimatedCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Joshua knows he can’t afford another defeat amid talks of a unification fight with Tyson FuryCredit: Reuters
      AJ has tried to convince everyone what happened in his first fight with Ruiz is buried in the recesses of his mind.
      I don’t believe it. He wouldn’t be human if it isn’t uppermost in his thoughts as he stands waiting for the opening bell.
      He knows full well, with so much at stake next year, a  similar mistake would have dire consequences for the future.
      A Fury-Joe Joyce or a Fury-Pulev clash somehow hasn’t  got the same spine-tingling expectation.
      Joshua now understands he is far from invincible and it would be foolish if his game-plan isn’t more guarded than gung-ho.
      It will make for a dull fight but I expect him to be prudent and box sensibly behind his left jab and settle for a  comfortable points victory like he did in the Ruiz return.
      If Pulev should destroy our dreams for 2021 and beat him, he will knock football idol Hristo Stoichkov, Barcelona superstar of the 1990s, off his pedestal and become Bulgaria’s greatest-ever sportsman.
      AJ, an articulate and intelligent guy, if he doesn’t know it already, should be conscious of the old saying: “Beware the one who has nothing to lose.”

      Anthony Joshua believes a harsh 2019 toughened him up for Kubrat Pulev battle More

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      Anthony Joshua vs Pulev betting tips: Back AJ stoppage at a massive 4/1, fight to go into late rounds – fight prediction

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA is back and ready to take on Bulgarian slugger Kubrat Pulev at Wembley Arena this weekend.
      The heavyweight champion of the world is back fighting on British shores for the first time since September 2018, when he saw off Alexander Povetkin.

      Joshua regained his heavyweight belts with a UD victory over Andy Ruiz Jr last DecemberCredit: PA

      WILLIAM HILL GET ANTHONY JOSHUA TO WIN AT 4/1* (Mobile only)
      And now AJ is digging in to defend the belts he won back against Andy Ruiz Jr in December last year.
      When Joshua tops the bill it’s always an event – and after the news that 1,000 fans will be allowed in to watch, we thought we’d betting rustle up some betting tips for you boxing-starved punters.
      Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. Begambleaware.org

      Anthony Joshua vs Kubrat Pulev betting tips
      If any of AJ’s last few bouts are to go by, there’s going to millions staked before the fighters finally do battle in the capital.
      The big question is – which Joshua do we see on December 12?
      On the one hand, it could be the chiselled, heavy-punching Goliath that crushed all before him until Ruiz Jr rocked up and spoilt the party.
      Or will Joshua turn up as the leaner, faster, more technically proficient specimen who won his belts back on that baking hot night in Riyadh?

      Going by recent snaps, it looks like he’s been hitting the dumbbells hard and bulking up close to his previous size.
      Either way, the bookies have him as overwhelming favourite to defend his WBO, WBA (Super), IBO and IBF titles.

      Joshua and Pulev go toe-to-toe on December 12 in LondonCredit: AFP – Getty
      If you’re sticking a tenner on AJ to win, enjoy your £1 profit should he do the business. He’s that short with most bookies.
      In this situation you’ve got to get creative – and the good news is, there’s a whole heap of value to find on this fight.
      We’ll get this out the way first; Pulev is a handy fighter, game as they come and tough as nails.
      His only defeat has been against Wladimir Klischko and that was six years ago – but we’re not going to be putting our hard-earned on him winning this match-up against the Brit champ.
      Pulev might be game, he might have a good chin – but we don’t see the 39-year-old veteran as dangerous enough to sink the Watford man.
      What we do think, is this WON’T be a fight that will be over in the first three rounds.

      Everyone loves a fast knockout, the thrill and adrenaline of the surprise sucker-punch.
      But for AJ – nearly 12 months out of the ring remember – this is a comeback fight in which to shake off the rust and ease his way back ahead of a monster 2021.
      As a result, we’re backing Joshua to take this one deep against a competitor who has gone the distance in five of his last seven bouts.
      We all remember AJ steaming into the fast hands of Ruiz Jr in their first showdown, tasting the canvas four times as he was dismantled by the portly Mexican.
      The humiliation of that night was a huge learning curve for Joshua and we’re excited to see how he approaches this one after his more restrained, mature performance in the rematch.

      Ruiz Jr stunned Joshua at Madison Square Garden – but AJ come back strongerCredit: Reuters
      Sixteen of Joshua’s 21 wins have come within the first six rounds, but we are instead backing the Brit to get the job done in the 7-9th once he’s shaken off the cobwebs.
      Since 2016, ALL of the champions six fights have gone seven rounds or more, with the likes of Carlos Takam (10th), Joseph Parker (distance) and Alexander Povetkin (7th) taking things long.
      In fact the last time AJ powered a fighter out before the third round bell was Eric Molina four long years ago.
      William Hill are offering new customers a massive 4/1 on the Brit star doing the business and winning by either KO, TKO or DQ.
      And if you fancy a go at when the fight ends, pick the later rounds when AJ can unleash that awesome power against the tiring Bulgarian.
      Our tip is for him to do the business in rounds 9-12, again at a hefty 4/1 – and have a quid on a round 11 victory at a whopping 20/1.

      Joshua scored an epic 11th round stoppage against Klitschko in 2017Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      That was the round when Joshua eventually wore down Klitschko in their epic encounter way infront of 90,000 at Wembley.
      For all of you looking for a boxing bet NAP to top up your weekend accas, get the 2/7 on the fight not going the distance.
      Joshua possesses the punching strength to put Pulev out, but expect a combination between the new and old AJ to appear as the champ prepares for a career-defining 2021.
      SunSport’s best bets
      Anthony Joshua to win by KO, TKO or DQ: 4/1 with William Hill
      Joshua to win in rounds 9-12: 4/1
      AJ to finish things in round 11: 20/1
      Fight NOT to go the distance: 2/7
      *Terms and conditions: New customers using EPAJ4 Mobile only. Bets placed from 09:00 on 26 November 2020 until 22:00 on 12 December 2020. £10 must be staked on Anthony Joshua to win by KO, TKO, DQ. Bonus paid as 4 x £10 free bets (30 day expiry). Player & currency restrictions & terms apply. 18+ begambleaware.org
      Remember to gamble responsibly
      A responsible gambler is someone who:
      Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
      Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
      Never chase their losses
      Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
      Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
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      Ashley Theophane vs Sam Eggington: UK start time, date, live stream FREE, TV channel and undercard for big fight night

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      ASHLEY THEOPHANE takes on super-welterweight contender Sam Eggington in the final fight of his career.
      Theophane has boxed all around the world and is known for appearing on many of Floyd Mayweather Promotions’ cards.

      Theophane takes on Eggington in his last ever fightCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Mayweather took Brit Theophane under his wing years ago and has supported his career ever since.
      But he’ll make his last ever appearance in the ring in what should be a brilliant all-action fight on Friday night with Eggington.
      What time does Theophane vs Eggington start?
      Theophane’s clash with Eggington should get underway from around 10.30pm UK time on Friday, December 11.
      The fight will take place at Fly By Nite Rehearsal Studios in Redditch, England.
      The first fight of the night will begin at 7pm.
      What channel is Theophane vs Eggington on and can it be live streamed?
      Theophane vs Eggington will be shown live on Channel 5, with coverage beginning at 7pm.
      The action is available for streaming from the Channel 5 app.
      You can download the app onto your mobile or tablet device for free.

      NINTCHDBPICT000599332804Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Can I watch for FREE?
      Yes, you can. Theophane vs Eggington is being shown on terrestrial TV, with Channel 5 securing the rights to the fight.
      The fight will be promoted by Mick Hennssey.

      Theophane vs Eggington FULL CARD
      Sam Eggington vs. Ashley Theophane
      Kaisee Benjamin vs. Ben Fields
      Stephen McKenna vs. TBA
      Aaron McKenna vs
      Michael Hennessy Jr. vs. Dale Arrowsmith
      Idris Virgo vs. Kearon Thomas More

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      Anthony Joshua vs Kubrat Pulev: UK start time, live stream, TV channel, undercard, ring walk for HUGE title fight

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      BOXING gets even bigger on Saturday night as Anthony Joshua prepares to take on Kubrat Pulev in a huge heavyweight clash at Wembley Arena.
      Joshua will be defending his WBA, WBO and IBF world heavyweight titles against the Bulgarian, who he was first scheduled to face over three years ago.

      How the fighters compare ahead of their heavyweight bout

      The bout is a big one for Joshua, who can all but secure a money-spinning pair of bouts with Tyson Fury with an emphatic win.
      When is Anthony Joshua vs Kubrat Pulev?
      The fight is scheduled to take place on Saturday, December 12.
      It was originally scheduled for June 20 but the coronavirus pandemic put a halt to those plans.
      What time does Anthony Joshua vs Kubrat Pulev start?
      Sky Sports Box Office being their coverage from Wembley Arena with undercard action from 6pm on Saturday.
      Joshua vs Pulev ring walks are expected to start at around 10.30pm UK time on December 12.

      Joshua won back his WBA, WBO and IBF titles from Andy Ruiz Jr in DecemberCredit: PA:Press Association
      ODDS SPECIAL 4/1 FOR JOSHUA TO WIN VIA KO, DQ OR TKOMobile only / UK and IRE, New customers only / 18+ / begambleaware.org
      What channel is it on and can it believe streamed?
      Joshua vs Pulev will be shown live on Sky Sports Box Office.
      The price of the pay-per-view has been set at £24.95, which is more than usual for a PPV event.
      The event can be live streamed from the Sky Sports Box Office app, which you can download onto your mobile or tablet device.
      What has been said?
      Pulev said: “I have been watching his fights carefully. He has a good style and he is a good specimen, but he has not shown any mental toughness.
      “Yes, he has skills, but he hasn’t shown the mental strength. This is something from within, in the blood of a man, and he does not have it.

      “Whatever mental toughness he’s got, I know I’m the harder person. This is the difference – my toughness will prevail.”

      But Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn has said his man will do the business on fight night.
      Hearn told Sky Sports: “I went to see him yesterday, he looked absolutely sensational.
      “He’s learning, he’s punching so hard, so sharp, so fast. I think this is going to be a tough fight against Kubrat Pulev. I also think he is going to absolutely destroy him.

      “I think he’s going to break him down, he’s going to dissect him, and he’s going to punish him. I think you’re going to see a statement.”

      Joshua and Pulev were scheduled to fight in 2017 before the latter pulled outCredit: Reuters

      Lawrence Okolie is fighting on Joshua’s undercard on SaturdayCredit: Instagram / @lawrenceokolie

      Joshua vs Pulev FULL card
      Lawrence Okolie is now facing Nikodem Jezewski after original opponent Krzysztof Glowacki tested positive for coronavirus.
      Okolie vs Glowacki was set to be for the vacant WBO world cruiserweight title, but the Jezewski bout won’t be as the unbeaten Pole is not ranked by the WBO.
      Elsewhere, Ramla Ali has tested positive for coronavirus and will no longer feature on the undercard.
      Anthony Joshua vs Kubrat Pulev (WBA, IBF, WBO heavyweight title)
      Lawrence Okolie vs Nikodem Jezewski (international cruiserweight title)
      Hughie Fury vs Mariusz Wach (heavyweight)
      Martin Bakole vs Sergey Kuzmin (heavyweight)
      Souleymane Cissokho vs Kieron Conway (light-middleweight)
      Florian Marku vs TBA (welterweight)
      Qais Ashfaq vs Ashley Lane (super-bantamweight) More

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      Anthony Joshua believes a harsh 2019 toughened him up for Kubrat Pulev battle and vows it will be ‘last man standing’

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA believes a harsh 2019 toughened him up perfectly for Kubrat Pulev on Saturday.
      On his US debut last June he cherry-picked Andy Ruiz Jr to be the perfect push-over to help launch him into a Deontay Wilder undisputed battle.

      Anthony Joshua is adamant rebuilding from his shock loss to Andy Ruiz has helped himCredit: ©Mark Robinson/Matchroom

      But the tubby Mexican stunned him, with four deckings inside seven rounds and some critics even accused AJ of quitting the bout while standing in his corner recuperating.
      The 31-year-old rebuilt at his Sheffield Team GB training base, under mentor Rob McCracken, and raced back to outpoint Ruiz last December.
      And the WBA, IBF and WBO champ says he first pro loss, the fall-out and the resurrection have helped forge him in steel.
      “The pressure I went through last year was tough,” he said.

      “But it made me mentally stronger and gave me a thicker skin.
      “I have always been tough and wanted to fight the best.
      “I have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
      “The only way to be successful is to take big challenges and this is another one to be competing with.

      “Just because I took a little loss to Ruiz, that has not changed me. I have a lot of character. We all train hard but it’s character that separates us.”

      Joshua will be hoping to avoid another upset against Kubrat PulevCredit: ©Dave Thompson/Matchroom

      British fight fans have been dining out on AJ’s success since his 2012 London Olympic gold.
      But he now has competition from Tyson Fury whose comeback from a doping ban and a mental health breakdown has captured the hearts and minds of a huge chunk of the nation.
      Joshua’s popularity has undoubtedly taken a small hit but he insists he is in the hurt business for cracking jaws, not slapping backs.
      “I want to promote boxing,” he said. “But I don’t want credit.
      “I am hungry and I want to feed my family and do business with my friends.
      “The world is my oyster but I cannot expect anyone to love me unless I love myself so that’s why I put the work in every day.”

      Joshua was stunned as he was KO’d by outsider Andy Ruiz JrCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      AJ revealed last week that he had allowed some of his sparring partners to batter him in training, without him firing back, to build resilience.
      But he claims it should come as no surprise to his fans as he has been wiping off whacks from the biggest and baddest men on the planet since 2008.
      He said: “I have been fighting at the top level ever since I walked into the gym and had a three-year amateur career with European, World and Olympic championships.
      “I have been punched by the strongest people many times but I am still here and that has never changed me.
      “I am going into this fight, I am definitely going to get hit and he is going to get hit too, so it will be the last man standing.”

      AJ got his revenge against Ruiz Jr with an emphatic points winCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Trainer Rob McCracken has kept the gameplan top secret and the media were even banned from Wednesday’s supposedly ‘open’ workout.
      But the boxing mastermind did again suggest Joshua was damaged going into that shock Ruiz defeat at Madison Square Garden.
      McCracken said: “He’s had a great camp, we have done more boxing sessions, two-a-day in some cases.
      “His athleticism and strength is phenomenal and people don’t realise that until they get in the ring with him.
      “Anthony fights all the best fighters out there, he doesn’t duck anyone.
      “He’s gone through a learning experience, he wasn’t 100 per cent going into the first Ruiz fight but he took the rematch the next day and won it comfortably.”

      Joshua is hoping to keep hold of his world titles for an undisputed clash against Tyson FuryCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Pulev has been fun around the Wembley hotel bubble, regularly lighting up the lounge room with games of giant Jenga.
      But the 39-year-old veteran knows the clock is ticking down on his chance to finally become a world champion, after losing the original 2017 clash with Joshua due to injury.
      Pulev said: “I am ready to fight, I have been waiting since 2017.
      “In 2017 I was 36 or 37 and I had injuries and couldn’t fight or train but now I am happy.
      “I am not 22 years old, I don’t have time, but the fight is here and I am ready for the win.” More

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      Ricky Hatton says promoting son Campbell’s boxing career won’t be difficult as he is ‘hardly the milkman’s’

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      RICKY HATTON joked that promoting his son won’t be difficult as there is ‘no way he’s the milkman’s’.
      Campbell has signed for Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom stable and will make his professional debut in February.

      Ricky Hatton joked that it’s obvious his son ‘isn’t the milkman’s’Credit: ©Mark Robinson/Matchroom

      Ricky was a proud father today as son Campbell turned proCredit: ©Dave Thompson/Matchroom

      The 19-year-old looks just like his old man, and he will be hoping to replicate just a fraction of what Ricky did in the ring.
      The Manchester hero is a two-weight world champ and finished his 48-fight career with just three defeats.
      Two were against legends Floyd Mayweather Jr and Manny Pacquiao with the other coming in his last ever fight against Vyacheslav Senchenko when he was well past his best.
      Hearn hosted a press conference to announce the big signing, where he said he hoped boxing fans will embrace Campbell like they did his dad.

      Ricky answered: “They will do, it doesn’t need me too. There’s no way he’s the milkman’s is there, look, that’s my son isn’t it.”
      The jokey nature of the presser continued, as Hearn pointed out that Ricky is now a ‘fine after-dinner speaker’, to which the 42-year-old added: “And a fine after dinner eater too.”
      Campbell then added: “Yeh, and he talks a lot of b******s too,” to leave Hearn in stitches.
      Campbell will debut at super-featherweight but has aspirations to go up to lightweight.

      Campbell has signed for Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom stableCredit: ©Dave Thompson/Matchroom

      If Campbell replicates a fraction of what his father did he won’t have done too badCredit: ©Dave Thompson/Matchroom

      Ricky reigned at light-welterweight before achieving the same feat at welterweight during his iconic career.
      The British boxing legend added: “I’m extremely proud of Campbell turning professional.
      “I’ve been proud of him since the day he was born. He’s a fine young man and he’s following in my footsteps.
      “My mum and dad brought me up in a certain way and I’d like to think I’m doing the same thing with Campbell.” More

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      Claressa Shields vows to ‘beat s*** out of’ Jake Paul and is open to sensational mixed-gender fight against YouTube star

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      CLARESSA SHIELDS insists she would “whoop Jake Paul’s ass” if she were ever to step inside the ring with the YouTuber.
      Paul made headlines last month with a sensational KO victory over former NBA star Nate Robinson on the undercard of Mike Tyson’s exhibition fight with Roy Jones Jr.

      Jake Paul brutally knocked out Nate Robinson last monthCredit: USA TODAY Sports

      The 23-year-old has called out a number of stars in the combat sports world following his viral KO, most notably former UFC featherweight and lightweight champion Conor McGregor.
      TMZ put the prospect of a mixed-gender showdown with Paul to Shields earlier this week. And the three-weight world champion emphatically dismissed the rookie’s chances of getting the better of her.
      The 25-year-old said: “I, Claressa Shields, will whoop Jake Paul’s ass.
      “He can come in the ring weighing 180lb and I will come weighing 168 and I will beat the s**t out of him.”

      Shields respects Paul for immersing himself in the sweet science but has warned the brash upstart to forget about competing against the sport’s elite.
      She added: “Jake Paul is making his money, he’s doing his thing, but stay away from us real fighters.
      “And anybody out there that say ‘Oh, Jake Paul will destroy her because she’s a woman’… I’m the greatest woman!
      “So, no, Jake Paul won’t do nothing with me and if he think he can, he can come see me.

      “I’ve been boxing for 14 years, two Olympics but they would still give Jake Paul because he’s a man. And it’s like, ‘You guys know nothing!”

      Shields has put her boxing career on the backburner as she prepares to transition into the mixed martial arts world.
      The two-time Olympic gold medallist penned a multi-year deal with the Professional Fighters League earlier this month.
      In a bid to get herself well versed in all the facets of MMA, Shields has begun training at JacksonWink MMA in Albuquerque, New Mexico – the home of former UFC champions Jon Jones and Holly Holm.
      Although her energy is currently focused on learning the fundamentals of MMA, Shields still intends to compete in boxing
      ‘T-Rex’ said: “I want to go where no man or woman has gone and hold championships in both boxing and MMA at the same time.
      “The one-two punch of PFL in MMA and Salita Promotions in boxing will allow me to continue to show that there are no limits to what a woman can do. I can’t wait to get to work!”

      Jake Paul says he was selected by the gods to be new Mayweather More

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      Anthony Joshua launches JD Champs Honours List with kindhearted fans in with chance to meet boxing star 

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA has launched the JD Champs Honours List with kindhearted fans in with chance of meeting the boxing superstar.
      Retailer JD and ambassador AJ have launched the campaign to celebrate regular people who have made outstanding contributions to their community.

      Anthony Joshua has launched the JD Champs Honours ListCredit: Mark Robinson

      The campaign celebrates regular people who have made outstanding contributions to their communityCredit: Mark Robinson

      Together they will search the nation high and low for true heroes of 2020, so they can honour and empower them.
      The scheme allows people to nominate their pals or themselves for acts of kindness they have done over the year.
      Winners then have the chance to meet AJ, with further surprises in store.

      HOW TO APPLY

      You can nominate yourself, friends or loved ones in the following ways:

      Instagram & Twitter – let @JDOfficial and AJ know why you or your nominee is a legend using the #JDChampsHonours in your post. If you are nominating somebody else, please tag them in your post
      Other – visit the JD website to enter your nomination via the online form.

      Discussing the launch, Joshua, 31, said: “Giving back to the community that made me has always been a strong driver for me during my career.

      “You can never forget where you came from and to be able to spread that message to the youth of today is so important.
      “All they need is that little reminder that they are seen, heard and recognised, that’s the push they need to succeed in life.
      “When this opportunity came to me, there was no doubt that I had to be involved as much as I could, as it’s something I can definitely relate to.

      “I would have loved to have been nominated for something like this as a young AJ learning the ropes.

      “As always, I’m grateful to be a part of something that spreads positivity and inspiration, especially with the year we’ve all had.
      “I can’t wait to see all the nominees and share some very special rewards.’’

      Anthony Joshua and Kubat Pulev workout for the press ahead of their big fight More