May 2nd: Today’s Feature

May

Anthony Oluwafemi Olaseni Joshua OBE was born on October 15, 1989, in Watford, Hertfordshire. His parents are Yeta and Robert Joshua, with his mother being of Nigerian descent and his father having Nigerian and Irish roots. Joshua's Nigerian heritage can be traced back to the Yoruba people, where he holds an aristocratic rank. Interestingly, his cousin, Ben Ileyemi, is also a professional boxer, and they both began their professional boxing careers in 2013.

During his formative years, Joshua spent time in Nigeria as a boarding school student at Mayflower School in Ikenne. However, his life took a turn when his parents separated when he was 12 years old, prompting him to return to the UK and enrol at Kings Langley Secondary School in the middle of Year Seven. Growing up in Garston, Hertfordshire, on the Meriden Estate, Joshua was known as "Femi" among his peers and teachers, a nickname derived from his middle name, Oluwafemi. He showed promise in sports, particularly excelling in football and athletics, setting a record in the 100m sprint during Year Nine with a time of 11.6 seconds.

Joshua's upbringing and early experiences shaped his journey towards becoming a successful professional boxer. His multicultural background, coupled with his athletic prowess and dedication to his craft, laid the foundation for his future achievements in the sport. Despite facing personal challenges such as his parents' divorce, Joshua's resilience and passion for boxing propelled him to pursue his dreams and carve out a name for himself in the boxing world. His story is not only one of athletic triumph but also a testament to the strength of character and determination in the face of adversity.

Career

It was at the age of 18 that Joshua's passion for boxing truly ignited. Joining Finchley ABC in Barnet, North London, he embarked on a journey that would shape his future. Recognising the immense dedication, hard work, and sacrifice required in the sport, Joshua committed himself wholeheartedly to boxing, knowing that anything less than 100% effort would not suffice.

Joshua's perseverance and unwavering commitment paid off when, after four years of intense training and competition, he achieved a remarkable feat. In 2012, at the London Olympics, he clinched the prestigious Olympic Gold, marking a significant milestone in his boxing career. This victory propelled him towards even greater achievements, as he went on to become a Two-time Unified Heavyweight Champion of the World, solidifying his status as one of the most accomplished boxers in the world.

In October 2022, Joshua's impressive rankings in the heavyweight boxing division are worth noting. According to BoxRec, he holds the title of the world's second-best active heavyweight. The Ring, another reputable boxing organisation, places him in the third position. Additionally, the Transnational Boxing Rankings Board and ESPN rank him fourth. Not only is Joshua highly regarded within the heavyweight category, but he also holds the sixth position in the pound-for-pound rankings, as determined by BoxRec.

Joshua's consistent presence among the top 10 heavyweights since 2014 is a testament to his skill and dominance in the ring. His exceptional performance has earned him the coveted No. 1 ranking at the conclusion of both 2016 and 2017, as recognised by BoxRec. This recognition further solidifies his status as one of the most formidable boxers in the world.

When it comes to knockout victories, Joshua's record speaks for itself. With an impressive knockout-to-win percentage of 88%, he has proven time and again his ability to deliver powerful and decisive blows. In world heavyweight title fights, his knockout percentage stands at an impressive 58%. These statistics highlight Joshua's exceptional power and precision, making him a force to be reckoned with in the boxing world.

Public Image

Joshua's status as one of the most marketable athletes globally is widely acknowledged, thanks to his lucrative endorsement deals with various renowned brands such as Under Armour, Beats By Dre, and Lucozade. In fact, in 2017, he was ranked as the world's most marketable athlete, surpassing basketball player Stephen Curry, who held the top spot the previous year. This remarkable achievement can be attributed not only to Joshua's exceptional boxing skills but also to his inspiring "rags to riches" story, which emphasises his journey from a potentially troubled life to dedicating himself to the sport of boxing.

In an interview with GQ, Joshua expressed his ambition to surpass the reported career earnings of $700 million achieved by boxing legend Floyd Mayweather Jr. Initially, his goal was to become a multi-millionaire, but he now recognises that the landscape has changed. Ordinary individuals, including grandparents, have amassed significant wealth due to rising property prices. Consequently, Joshua has set his sights even higher, aiming to become a billionaire. While being a millionaire is undoubtedly commendable, he believes in pushing boundaries and striving for greater success.

Beyond his commercial success, Joshua has also been recognised for his influence and impact off the boxing ring. His inclusion in the annual Powerlist, which highlights the 100 most influential Black Britons, further solidifies his position as a prominent figure. The 2021 edition of the Powerlist acknowledged Joshua's significant contributions and influence. Additionally, Joshua proudly displays his Nigerian heritage through a tattoo on his right shoulder, featuring the outline of Nigeria within the continent of Africa. This tattoo symbolises his deep connection to his Nigerian roots and serves as a constant reminder of his heritage and the values it instills in him.

Overall, Joshua's journey from a marketable athlete to an influential figure extends beyond his boxing prowess. His inspiring story, ambition, and connection to his Nigerian roots have propelled him to the forefront of both the sports and cultural landscapes, making him a role model for aspiring athletes and individuals alike.

AJBXNG: BEHIND THE BRAND

Joshua's brand is more than just a clothing line or a fitness brand; it is a representation of his passion for boxing and his dedication to his craft. He believes that boxing is not just a sport, but a way of life, and he has infused this belief into every aspect of his brand. From the design of the clothing to the functionality of the fitness accessories, Joshua has made sure that his brand captures the essence of what boxing means to him.

Growing up in North London has had a profound impact on Joshua's life, and he wanted to pay homage to his roots through his brand. The clothing in his range reflects the unique urban style that he experienced while growing up in the city. By incorporating elements of his own background into his brand, Joshua hopes to connect with his audience on a deeper level and create a sense of authenticity and relatability.

One of the core messages that Joshua wants to convey through his brand is the idea that hard work and determination can lead to success in any endeavour. He believes that anyone can achieve their goals if they are willing to put in the effort and never give up. This message is prominently displayed across his range of products, serving as a constant reminder to his supporters that they too can overcome obstacles and achieve greatness. Joshua hopes that his brand can inspire and motivate others to pursue their dreams and never settle for mediocrity.