Anthony Joshua reveals all on The Jonathan Ross Show
Former two-time Unified Heavyweight Champion of the World Anthony Joshua joins Jonathan following his recent victory after fighting Francis Ngannou.
Speaking about the fight, Anthony says, “I was preparing for 10 rounds, tough fight. The guy is a big, strong guy from a different feel because he’s an MMA fighter. He’s a tough guy. I thought I would still be victorious and it happened a lot sooner than I expected.”
Joshua adds, “You don’t get along with some fighters so sometimes there’s no conversation after. There’s a level of respect as well – me and Ngannou had a lot of respect. I gave him encouragement because the guy’s had an amazing career. Don’t let that one blip in his career become the defining moment. I’ve lost before – it’s tough.”
Talking about whether the boxing ‘trash talk’ can affect him, the 34-year-old heavyweight says, “100%. You take it personal and you meditate on it. You want to punish them for what they said about you.”
Speaking specifically about fellow British boxing legend Tyson Fury, AJ says, “This is one of my rivals. This is someone I want to compete with one day so everything he says, I’ve got it all stored in the back of my memory and when the fight happens, I’m going to use it as a lot of fuel.”
Asked by Jonathan when his next fight is, Joshua exclusively reveals, “Around September is when I’ve been told. I was hoping June. I’ve got some time to go on dates now and mingle a little bit. I’m training at the minute, I’ve got two months before I get into training camp.”
On whether he knows who he’ll be up against in the ring, Anthony says, “No. I think what they’re saying is be patient because you’ve got Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk for all the belts and then once that’s done hopefully I can kick down the door and get my opportunity.”
The Dark Knight Rises
Joshua then speaks about how he visited a darkness retreat in Oregon and says “It was a darkness retreat. It was completely pitch black, no sound, no communication with anyone. All your senses get shut down. I didn’t realise how tired I was. Just sat from Monday to Friday. It was phenomenal, a good experience and much needed. Would I do it again? Because I’ve experienced it once, it’s harder than I thought but I’m stronger than I thought so I put myself in that situation.”
Influencer Boxing – Good or Bad?
Quizzed by Jonathan on his thoughts on the increase in popularity of influencer boxing matches, Anthony says, “I personally think it’s really good. I think the boxing hardcores, they don’t like it because they think ‘Why are they disrespecting our sport?’ but I think that person brings all these people into boxing which benefits everyone else. Everyone viewing helps.”
Speaking about who he thinks will walk away victorious in the highly criticised Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson match, the Watford man says, “He’s [Mike Tyson] older now. I pray that he comes out healthy. I think Jake Paul because of youth – that’s the only thing.”
Hanging up the Gloves
Touching upon his plans for retirement, AJ says, “I’ve always said 35. I’m 35 in October, I’m thinking another two years or so if my body holds out. I’ve set up certain businesses that I can transition into naturally which don’t rely on me being at the forefront.”
Anthony later reveals the jobs he had before finding fame as a boxer, “Bricklaying and I used to sell package holidays. I wasn’t bad – I had a silver tongue.”
Chip of the Old Block
Speaking about whether his son is athletic and whether he’ll follow in his footsteps, the proud father answers, “I think football. He’s eight now – it’s crazy how fast time goes.”
On whether he has come to see him fight, Joshua confirms, “Yeah, definitely. I’m not doing it forever so come down and have a good time and experience. Even in the bad times, he’s been there.”