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, a British/Nigerian professional boxer, is a two-time unified heavyweight champion, holding titles from 2017 to 2021. He also held the IBO title during his championship reigns. Before achieving global recognition, Joshua secured the British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles from 2015 to 2016, marking his rise in the boxing world.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

2009: Amateur Fight Against Whyte

In 2009, Anthony Joshua fought Dillian Whyte in the amateur rankings, where Whyte won.

2009: Remand in Reading Prison

In 2009, Anthony Joshua was put on remand in Reading Prison for "fighting and other crazy stuff" and was made to wear an electronic tag upon release.

March 2011: Arrest for Drug Possession

In March 2011, Anthony Joshua was arrested for speeding and found with cannabis in his Mercedes-Benz in Colindale, North West London. He was charged with possession with intent to supply, suspended from the GB Boxing squad, and sentenced to a 12-month community order and unpaid work after pleading guilty.

January 2015: Bout Cancellation Due to Injury

In January 2015, Anthony Joshua's scheduled fight against Kevin Johnson was cancelled due to a back injury.

October 2017: Molina's Ban Backdated

In October 2017, Eric Molina received a two-year ban from fighting in the UK, which was backdated from October 28, 2017, until October 28, 2019. This ban came as a result of Molina testing positive for dexamethasone after his loss to Joshua.

May 2018: Molina Issued a Two-Year Ban

On May 22, 2018, UK Anti-Doping issued Eric Molina with a two-year ban from fighting in the UK, backdated from October 28, 2017, until October 28, 2019. Molina tested positive for dexamethasone, a corticosteroid, after his loss to Joshua.

June 2018: Joshua-Wilder fight negotiations and Povetkin deal

In June 2018, negotiations between Joshua and Wilder's camps were ongoing regarding a super fight, with purse split, date, and venue as the main obstacles. Simultaneously, Eddie Hearn worked on a deal for Joshua to fight WBA mandatory challenger Alexander Povetkin after the WBA gave Joshua's camp 24 hours to finalize a deal with Povetkin on June 26th, 2018.

September 2018: Joshua vs. Povetkin fight announcement

In September 2018, specifically on the 22nd, Wembley Stadium in London was announced as the venue for Joshua's fight against Alexander Povetkin for the WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO heavyweight titles, to be broadcasted on Sky Box Office. Concerns were raised by British pundits and trainers regarding the threat posed by Povetkin to Joshua.

January 2019: Whyte turns down offer from Joshua

In January 2019, Dillian Whyte turned down a low offer from Joshua for a rematch, an offer lower than what he received against Chisora in December 2018.

April 2019: Joshua fight at Wembley becoming unlikely

In April 2019, it became highly unlikely that Joshua would still fight at Wembley Stadium on April 13. Whyte also claimed the Joshua fight was dead.

April 2019: Miller tests positive for banned substance

In April 2019, on the 17th, it was confirmed that Jarrell Miller tested positive for the banned substance GW1516 from a VADA-conducted urine test on March 20. Further tests on March 31 proved positive for EPO, HGH, and GW1516 again.

June 2019: Joshua vs. Ruiz fight announced

In June 2019, specifically on June 1st, Joshua fought Andy Ruiz Jr. at Madison Square Garden in New York City, exclusively on DAZN in the US, after Ruiz replaced Miller. Joshua lost to Ruiz by TKO in the seventh round, losing his heavyweight titles.

2019: Defeat by Andy Ruiz Jr.

In 2019, Joshua suffered a defeat by Andy Ruiz Jr.

March 2020: Joshua vs. Pulev fight announcement

On March 2, 2020, it was announced that Joshua would defend his heavyweight titles against Kubrat Pulev at London's Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on June 20, but the fight was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

April 2020: Joshua-Pulev fight postponed

In April 2020, specifically on April 3rd, the fight between Joshua and Pulev, initially scheduled for June 20, was postponed indefinitely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

May 2021: Fury announces fight with Joshua

In May 2021, specifically on May 17, Tyson Fury announced that his fight with Joshua would take place on August 14, 2021, in Saudi Arabia. However, an arbitration ruling jeopardized the fight.

September 2021: Joshua activates rematch clause against Usyk

In September 2021, specifically on September 29, Joshua activated the rematch clause against Oleksandr Usyk, who had just defeated him to become the unified world heavyweight champion.

2021: End of Unified Heavyweight Championship Reign

By 2021, Anthony Joshua's reign as the unified heavyweight champion had ended.

August 2022: Questions about Saudi Arabia Controversy

In August 2022, Joshua faced questions regarding the controversy of holding his world-title challenge in Saudi Arabia and about the human rights situation in the Kingdom.

December 2025: Car Crash in Nigeria

On 29 December 2025, Anthony Joshua was involved in a car crash in Nigeria on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway. The collision resulted in the deaths of his personal trainer Latif "Latz" Ayodele and his strength and conditioning coach Sina Ghami. Joshua was treated for non-life-threatening injuries at the Duchess International Hospital.