Anthony Joshua, one of the most recognizable names in boxing today, has established himself as a global icon in the sport. Known for his athleticism, powerful punching, and charisma, Joshua has become a household name in the world of heavyweight boxing. Over the course of his career, Joshua has faced some of the toughest and most talented boxers in the world, with his fights often attracting massive audiences both inside arenas and through pay-per-view broadcasts worldwide.

In this article, we will delve into Anthony Joshua’s fight history, breaking down his major bouts, victories, defeats, key moments, and what’s next for the former world champion. We will also examine statistics and trends from his matches, explore fan reactions, and answer some of the most frequently asked questions about his boxing career.

Anthony Joshua’s Early Life and Career Path

Born on October 15, 1989, in Watford, England, Anthony Oluwafemi Olaseni Joshua began his boxing career relatively late compared to many professional fighters. Initially involved in athletics and football, Joshua turned to boxing at the age of 18. His natural athleticism, combined with his immense determination, allowed him to rise quickly in the ranks.

Joshua’s success in the amateur ranks was swift. He won a gold medal in the 2012 London Olympics in the heavyweight division, which catapulted him into the limelight. His Olympic success laid the foundation for his professional career, and shortly after, he turned professional under the guidance of Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing.

Anthony Joshua’s Professional Debut and Rise to Prominence

Joshua’s professional debut took place on October 5, 2013, against a journeyman named Emanuele Leo. He won the fight by a technical knockout (TKO) in the first round. It was the start of an undefeated streak that would stretch for several years. Over the next few years, Joshua faced various opponents in the heavyweight division, systematically improving his skills and building his reputation. With each victory, his fanbase expanded, and it became clear that he was a force to be reckoned with.

First Major Test: Dillian Whyte (2015)

One of the most pivotal fights in Joshua’s early career was his 2015 bout against Dillian Whyte. This was Joshua’s first significant test, as Whyte was an experienced, tough fighter. The two had a bitter rivalry, and the fight was highly anticipated. Joshua won the fight via a seventh-round knockout (KO), but he was tested more than in any of his previous bouts. The victory solidified Joshua’s position as one of the top contenders in the heavyweight division.

Winning the IBF Heavyweight Title: Charles Martin (2016)

Joshua’s first major title shot came on April 9, 2016, against American fighter Charles Martin for the IBF Heavyweight Championship. In front of a raucous crowd at London’s O2 Arena, Joshua claimed the title with a devastating second-round knockout. The performance was impressive, showcasing Joshua’s power and poise under pressure. After this victory, Joshua began to attract even more attention, and his reputation as a heavyweight force continued to grow.

Unification Fight: Wladimir Klitschko (2017)

Perhaps the defining moment of Joshua’s career came on April 29, 2017, when he faced the legendary Wladimir Klitschko at Wembley Stadium in a bout that would unify the heavyweight division. Klitschko, a former champion, was looking to regain his title after losing it to Tyson Fury in 2015.

In a thrilling back-and-forth contest, Joshua and Klitschko put on an unforgettable show. Joshua was knocked down in the sixth round, but he showed incredible resilience, eventually knocking Klitschko out in the 11th round. The win earned Joshua the WBA (Super) and IBO heavyweight titles, as well as the respect of fans and analysts worldwide.

Defending His Titles: Joseph Parker (2018)

On March 31, 2018, Joshua faced New Zealand’s Joseph Parker in a highly anticipated unification bout. The fight was for the WBA, IBF, and WBO titles, with Parker entering the ring as the reigning WBO heavyweight champion. The fight was competitive, with Joshua controlling much of the action with his jab and superior technique. He won the fight by unanimous decision, extending his unbeaten record to 21-0 and further solidifying his position as the king of the heavyweight division.

The Decline: Andy Ruiz Jr. Upset (2019)

After a string of successful title defenses, Joshua’s career took a dramatic turn on June 1, 2019. In a fight that no one saw coming, Joshua faced the unheralded Andy Ruiz Jr. in Madison Square Garden, New York. Ruiz, a late replacement for Jarrell Miller, was considered a heavy underdog.

However, Ruiz stunned the boxing world by knocking Joshua down four times en route to a seventh-round TKO victory. Joshua was outboxed and overwhelmed by Ruiz’s fast hands and unconventional style. The loss was Joshua’s first professional defeat, and it left fans and analysts questioning what went wrong for the British fighter.

The Rematch: Joshua vs. Ruiz Jr. II (2019)

The defeat to Ruiz was a hard blow, but Joshua showed great character and resilience by activating a rematch clause. The two fighters squared off again on December 7, 2019, in Saudi Arabia. This time, Joshua came back with a new approach, focusing on boxing rather than relying solely on power. He controlled the rematch from start to finish, winning by unanimous decision and regaining the WBA, IBF, and WBO heavyweight titles.

Post-Ruiz: Joshua’s Fights and Future Prospects

Kubrat Pulev (2020): After regaining his titles, Joshua’s next defense came on December 12, 2020, against Bulgarian heavyweight Kubrat Pulev. Pulev, a seasoned veteran, was seen as a solid contender, but Joshua showcased his dominance once again. He knocked Pulev down three times before ending the fight in the ninth round with a TKO victory.

Oleksandr Usyk: The New Challenge (2021-2022)

One of the most anticipated bouts in recent history came on September 25, 2021, when Anthony Joshua faced Oleksandr Usyk, the former undisputed cruiserweight champion, at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. Usyk, widely considered one of the best pound-for-pound fighters, moved up to heavyweight with the aim of making his mark in the division.

The fight proved to be a difficult one for Joshua. Usyk’s movement, speed, and technical skill outclassed Joshua, and he won the fight by unanimous decision, claiming the WBA, IBF, WBO, and IBO heavyweight titles. The loss marked another setback for Joshua, and questions arose about his future in the sport.

Joshua vs. Usyk II (2022): A rematch between Joshua and Usyk was scheduled for August 20, 2022, in Saudi Arabia. The fight was billed as “Rage on the Red Sea,” and fans hoped Joshua could bounce back from his first defeat to Usyk. However, despite showing signs of improvement, Joshua once again fell short, losing by split decision and failing to regain his titles.

The Path to Redemption

Following his loss to Usyk in the rematch, Joshua has been at a crossroads in his career. The losses to Ruiz Jr. and Usyk have raised questions about his technical ability, mental toughness, and whether he can return to the top of the heavyweight division. However, Anthony Joshua is still one of the biggest names in boxing, and his career is far from over. The British boxer has indicated his desire to fight for a world title again, and he’s likely to take on some of the top contenders in the heavyweight division, including fighters like Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilder, or even a third bout with Usyk.

FAQs

What is Anthony Joshua’s fight record?

As of now, Anthony Joshua has a professional boxing record of 25 wins and 3 losses. His victories include major wins over fighters like Wladimir Klitschko, Alexander Povetkin, and Andy Ruiz Jr. He has held multiple heavyweight titles throughout his career.

Has Anthony Joshua ever lost a fight?

Yes, Anthony Joshua has experienced three losses in his career. His first loss was to Andy Ruiz Jr. in 2019, followed by a rematch victory later that year. His second loss came to Oleksandr Usyk in 2021, and after a second defeat to Usyk in 2022, Joshua’s focus shifted towards regaining his form with a new trainer.

What happened in Anthony Joshua’s fight with Usyk?

Anthony Joshua faced Oleksandr Usyk twice. The first fight, in September 2021, saw Usyk win a unanimous decision and take Joshua’s WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO heavyweight titles. The rematch in August 2022 ended similarly, with Usyk winning by split decision, retaining his titles. Joshua struggled to outbox Usyk’s slick and tactical style in both bouts.

What was Anthony Joshua’s most famous fight?

Anthony Joshua’s most famous fight is likely his victory over Wladimir Klitschko in April 2017. The fight, which took place at Wembley Stadium, saw Joshua win by an 11th-round TKO to capture the WBA (Super) heavyweight title. The thrilling fight, which saw both fighters knocked down, is considered one of the greatest heavyweight battles in recent history.

Has Anthony Joshua ever fought Tyson Fury?

No, Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury have not fought yet, but they have been in discussions for years. Both boxers have expressed interest in facing each other in a high-profile heavyweight showdown. However, several negotiations have fallen through due to disagreements over terms. Fans are eagerly awaiting this fight, but a date has not been set.

In Summary

Anthony Joshua remains one of the most influential and compelling figures in modern boxing. With his powerful presence in the ring, remarkable comeback stories, and dedication to reclaiming his place at the top, he continues to draw global attention. As fans eagerly anticipate his next fight against Dillian Whyte and dream matchups with names like Tyson Fury or Deontay Wilder, Joshua’s journey is far from over. Whether you’re following for the knockouts, the rivalries, or the legacy he’s building, there’s no doubt that AJ is still a major force in the heavyweight division and his story is one worth watching.

To read more, Click Here .