Two-time unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has already established himself as a modern icon of heavyweight boxing. Joshua was heavyweight champion of the world from 2016 to 2019 and won his first 22 professional fights. After losing in a shock defeat to Andy Ruiz Jr in 2019 he avenged his defeat later the same year with a victory worth over $35 million. The Ring magazine ranked him in the top two active heavyweights in the world in April 2020. Joshua – who holds the IBF, WBA and WBO heavyweight belts – has recently agreed two fights with WBC champion Tyson Fury in 2021, and the prospect of an all-British showdown is now the most highly anticipated event for fans of the sport.

Born in Watford, England, Joshua grew up in Nigeria where he went to boarding school before returning to the UK when he was 12. He was a talented footballer and athlete as a child, but set his sights on a career in boxing after trying the sport when he was 18 years old. Joshua’s talent was evident from the start, and the Boxing writers club of Britain named him Amateur boxer of the year in 2011. After winning a silver medal in the super-heavyweight division at the 2011 World Championships, Joshua rose to prominence further after clinching the gold medal for Great Britain at the 2012 Olympics.

After turning professional in 2013, Joshua’s career has been on an unstoppable rise. With numerous sponsors from leading brands including Sky Sports, Under Armour, Beats and Hugo Boss, he is listed as one of the richest boxers in the world with an estimated net worth of $60 million in 2019. He is also one of the world’s most popular sports stars on social media with over 17 million followers across all platforms.