Challenges Faced by Anthony Joshua: Obstacles and Turning Points
A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Anthony Joshua's life and career.
Anthony Joshua is a British professional boxer who has twice held the unified world heavyweight championship between 2016 and 2021. Prior to his world titles, he held the British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles from 2015 to 2016. Known for his powerful punching and exciting fighting style, Joshua has been a prominent figure in the heavyweight division.
2009: Amateur Loss to Whyte
In 2009, Anthony Joshua fought Dillian Whyte within the amateur rankings and lost, marking an early encounter in their rivalry.
2009: Remand in Reading Prison
In 2009, Anthony Joshua was put on remand in Reading Prison for "fighting and other crazy stuff." He was released with an electronic tag on his ankle.
March 2011: Arrest for drug possession
In March 2011, Anthony Joshua was arrested for speeding and found with cannabis in his car. He was charged with possession with intent to supply, suspended from the GB Boxing squad, and sentenced to community service after pleading guilty.
January 2015: Fight Cancellation Due to Injury
In January 2015, Anthony Joshua's scheduled fight against Kevin Johnson was cancelled due to a back injury sustained by Joshua, leading to a setback in his boxing schedule.
2017: Initial Pulev Fight
In 2017, Joshua had been initially announced to fight Kubrat Pulev, but a late injury to Pulev saw Carlos Takam replace him for the fight.
September 2018: Joshua's Plans for April 2019
In September 2018, Joshua allegedly knew he would be fighting in April 2019, but did not make any offers to fight Whyte.
December 2018: Dillian Whyte Frontrunner to Challenge Joshua
In December 2018, Dillian Whyte was considered the frontrunner to challenge Anthony Joshua, but Whyte claimed Joshua offered him a 'severe lowball' for the rematch, lower than what he received against Chisora. Whyte also heard rumors that Joshua would drop the Wembley date.
January 2019: Whyte Rejects Joshua's Offer
In January 2019, Dillian Whyte turned down a 'severe lowball' offer from Anthony Joshua for a rematch. Eddie Hearn stated that there was a possibility Joshua may fight in the US instead.
April 2019: Miller Tests Positive for Banned Substances
In April 2019, Jarrell Miller tested positive for the banned substance GW1516 in a VADA-conducted urine test. Further tests on March 31 also proved positive for EPO, HGH, and GW1516. Numerous boxers offered to replace Miller, and Luis Ortiz was Joshua's first choice.
April 2019: Joshua to Fight in April 2019
In April 2019, Whyte claimed Joshua did not want to fight him, despite knowing since September 2018, that he would be fighting in April 2019.
June 2019: Joshua Loses to Ruiz
On June 1, 2019, Joshua fought Andy Ruiz Jr., losing by TKO in the seventh round and losing his heavyweight titles. The fight is considered one of the biggest upsets in boxing history.
March 2020: Joshua vs. Pulev Fight Announced
On March 2, 2020, it was announced that Joshua would defend his heavyweight titles against Kubrat Pulev at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on June 20. The fight was later postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and rescheduled for December.
April 2020: Joshua vs. Pulev Fight Postponed
On April 3, 2020, the fight between Joshua and Pulev was postponed indefinitely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
May 2021: Fury vs. Joshua Fight Announcement and Arbitration Ruling
In May 2021, a fight between Fury and Joshua was announced for August 14, 2021, in Saudi Arabia. However, an arbitration ruling stated that Fury had to fight Wilder for a third time, jeopardizing the Joshua fight. The WBO then ordered Joshua to fight Usyk.
August 2021: Fury Fight Cancelled
In August 2021, the fight between Fury and Joshua was cancelled.
2021: End of Championship Reign
In 2021, Anthony Joshua's reign as the unified world heavyweight champion ended, concluding a significant chapter in his boxing career.
August 2023: Joshua to face Robert Helenius after Whyte tests positive
In August 2023, after Dillian Whyte tested positive for a banned substance, Robert Helenius was announced as the replacement for Joshua. On August 12, 2023, Joshua defeated Helenius by knockout in round 7.
